Christianity, Belief & Science Origins of Life

Natural selection The theory of evolution states that evolution happens by natural selection. Here are the key points: Individuals in a species show a wide range of variation. This variation is because of differences in genes. Individuals with characteristics most suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. The genes that allowed the individuals to be successful are passed to the offspring in the next generation.

Natural selection Individuals that are poorly adapted to their environment are less likely to survive and reproduce. This means that their genes are less likely to be passed to the next generation. Given enough time, a species will gradually evolve.

Tree of Life

Evidence for natural selection Rapid changes in species have been observed. These support the theory of evolution.

Peppered moths Before the industrial revolution in Britain, most peppered moths were of the pale variety. This meant that they were camouflaged against the pale birch trees that they rest on. Moths with a mutant black colouring were easily spotted and eaten by birds. This gave the white variety an advantage, and they were more likely to survive to reproduce.

Peppered moths Airborne pollution in industrial areas blackened the birch tree bark with soot. This meant that the mutant black moths were now camouflaged, while the white variety became more vulnerable to predators. This gave the black variety an advantage, and they were more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, the black peppered moths became far more numerous in urban areas than the pale variety.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria Microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses reproduce very rapidly and can evolve in a relatively short time. One example is the bacterium E. coli. Its DNA can be damaged or changed during replication, and most of the time this causes the death of the cell. But occasionally, the mutation is beneficial - for the bacteria. For example, it may allow resistance to an antibiotic. When that antibiotic is present, the resistant bacteria have an advantage over the bacteria that are not resistant. Antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria are an increasing problem in hospitals.

Summary: Natural Selection individuals compete for limited resources individuals in a population show natural variation individuals with characteristics best suited to their environment are more likely to survive to reproduce 'successful' characteristics are inherited Species unable to compete successfully eventually become extinct.