EARTH122 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Exponential Growth, Population Ecology, Logistic Function
12 May 2016
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Document Summary
Evolution- genetic change in populations of organisms across generations. This may be random or directed by natural selection. Natural selection- the process by which traits that enhance survival and reproduction are passed on more frequently to future generations than those that do not. Understanding evolution is important because it alters genetic makeup of a population. In 1858,darwin and wallace both proposed natural selection as the mechanism for evolution. Organisms face a constant struggle to survive and reproduce. Organisms tend to produce more offspring than can survive. Individuals of a species vary due to genes and the environment. Some individuals are better suited for the environment and will pass on their genes. The same genes that make any individual particularly well suited for the environment might be disadvantageous in a different environment. Adaptive trait (adaptation): this is a trait that promotes reproductive success. A trait that reduces success is said to be maladaptive.
