According to the theory of evolution by natural selection, which of the following is FALSE?

Question

1) Individuals with certain heritable traits contribute more reproductively to the next generation than others without those traits.

2) The individuals that survive to reproduce are a random sample of the population.

3) Over-reproduction and limited resources leads to competition.

Answer 1

Hi Hugo!

Great question – let's talk through each of the answers:

1) Individuals with certain heritable traits contribute more reproductively to the next generation than others without those traits.

1. Let's say for example that a "certain heritable trait" was an extra long wing-span within a family of falcons that allowed them to fly farther, looking for mice to eat for longer periods of time before getting tired. This trait would give them an advantage over other falcon families that did not have the extra long wing-span. Since they can search for food longer without getting tired, they are more likely to eat every day which increases their chances of overall survival & increases their chances of living long enough to reproduce. In summary, this example of extra long wing-spans in falcons would be a heritable trait that makes this falcon family more likely to reproduce and therefore more likely to pass on that heritable trait to their offspring. Therefore, this is a correct statement.

2) The individuals that survive to reproduce are a random sample of the population.

1. If an animal survives long enough to reproduce, that animal must be doing something right! For example, they could be great a foraging for food, winning fights with other animals, or running away from predators. These examples given will be traits that not all animals within the population have. Since only some of the animals will have these traits that help them survive long enough to reproduce, this means that the population that reproduces is NOT a random sample of the population. (so this is the false answer!)

3) Over-reproduction and limited resources leads to competition.

1. If there are 30 lions when the population is normally only 15 lions (over-reproduction), and 1 antelope for them to hunt when there are normally 10 antelopes (limited resources), there will be too many lions for very few antelope! Lions will then have to compete for the antelope, meaning that this is a correct statement.
2. Keep in mind resources does not only mean food (ex. antelope). This can also mean shelter, water access, or anything that helps the lions survive in their environment.