Environmental changes are really important for how natural selection works. They help decide which traits are best for living things in a certain place. When the environment changes, it can create new challenges or chances for animals and plants. Let’s take a closer look at this!
A well-known example is the peppered moth in England.
Before the Industrial Revolution, most of these moths were light-colored. This helped them blend in with the lichen on trees.
But, as pollution made the tree bark darker, more dark-colored moths started to appear.
This is because birds could spot the lighter moths more easily. As a result, the lighter moths got eaten more, which led to fewer of them surviving.
Over time, the dark-colored trait became more common because of natural selection.
Changes in Habitat: When environments change, like the weather or food sources, some traits can help animals survive better.
Survival of the Fittest: Animals that have traits that fit the new environment are more likely to live and have babies.
Genetic Variation: For a population to adapt, it needs different traits. If everyone is very similar, they might have trouble surviving when conditions change.
Natural selection is nature's way of picking the best-suited animals and plants for changing environments. These processes help life adapt and grow, showing us the amazing variety of traits found in nature!
Environmental changes are really important for how natural selection works. They help decide which traits are best for living things in a certain place. When the environment changes, it can create new challenges or chances for animals and plants. Let’s take a closer look at this!
A well-known example is the peppered moth in England.
Before the Industrial Revolution, most of these moths were light-colored. This helped them blend in with the lichen on trees.
But, as pollution made the tree bark darker, more dark-colored moths started to appear.
This is because birds could spot the lighter moths more easily. As a result, the lighter moths got eaten more, which led to fewer of them surviving.
Over time, the dark-colored trait became more common because of natural selection.
Changes in Habitat: When environments change, like the weather or food sources, some traits can help animals survive better.
Survival of the Fittest: Animals that have traits that fit the new environment are more likely to live and have babies.
Genetic Variation: For a population to adapt, it needs different traits. If everyone is very similar, they might have trouble surviving when conditions change.
Natural selection is nature's way of picking the best-suited animals and plants for changing environments. These processes help life adapt and grow, showing us the amazing variety of traits found in nature!