Multiple Choice
The modern idea of extinction as a common occurrence in Earth's history was first proposed in the early-19th-century writings of __________.
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21. Evolution
Introduction to Evolution and Natural Selection
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Because he was well aware of the effect his theory of evolution would have on the public and on the Church of England, Darwin delayed publishing his work for several decades while he gathered additional evidence. After invoking selective breeding of domesticated species as evidence that groups of organisms are capable of change, he then proposed that natural populations can change as well. On which two lines of evidence did he base this proposal?
A
Individuals within a population vary, yet island species around the world all appear to be related to each other.
B
Organisms produce more offspring than can be supported by their environment, and adaptations to specific environments increase an organism's ability to survive and reproduce.
C
Some individuals leave more descendants than other individuals, but the individuals in a population are essentially identical to each other.
D
Some individuals within a population have greater success in survival and reproduction than others, and favorable traits within a population will accumulate over generations.
E
Organisms within a population vary, and all populations produce more offspring than can be supported by the environment, resulting in competition for survival within the population.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that Darwin's theory of evolution is based on the idea that natural populations can change over time.
Recognize that Darwin observed variation among individuals within a population, which is a key component of his theory.
Consider that Darwin also noted that organisms tend to produce more offspring than the environment can support, leading to competition for resources.
Identify that these observations led Darwin to propose that individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.
Conclude that the two lines of evidence Darwin used were: variation within populations and the overproduction of offspring leading to competition for survival.
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