Exploration questions: the evolutionary causes of biodiversity

Grab your notebook or computer and write out your answer to each of the following questions. Then compare your answer to the suggested answer found in the “Answers to exploration questions” document. Have fun! Hint: the information needed to answer these questions can be found in the videos and articles.

1.     In this tutorial, the narrator says that Darwin’s description of natural selection as “survival of the fittest” should actually be “survival of the fitter”. In your own words, explain why survival of the fitter is a more accurate description of how natural selection works on individual members of a population or species. Hint: review the video example of redwood tree adaptations if you need some ideas about how to explain this concept.

2.     Your friend tells you that biodiversity is increased when a species decides to evolve into a new species. Do you agree or disagree with your friend’s explanation of how speciation occurs? Hint: Review the video example of the formation of the Isthmus of Panama.

3.     Consider the following fictional scenario: A population of lions is living in the wilds of sub-Saharan Africa. A genetic mutation occurs that causes the lion’s roar to be silent. This mutation is heritable and can be passed down to future generations in the population. Describe one scenario in which this mutation would be selected for and would increase in future generations, and describe another scenario in which it would be selected against. For both scenarios, be sure to explain why the silent roar mutation would be selected for or against.