Species Variation Obj.6 Describe evidence of species variation due to climate, changing landforms, interspecies interaction, and genetic mutation.

Adaptation- a characteristic that improves an individual’s ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. Adaptations may be physical (change in appearance), such as a long neck or striped fur. Adaptations may be behaviors that help an organism find food, protect itself, or reproduce. Adaptation- a characteristic that improves an individual’s ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. Adaptations may be physical (change in appearance), such as a long neck or striped fur. Adaptations may be behaviors that help an organism find food, protect itself, or reproduce.

Scientists think that Earth has changed over time. Scientists estimate that Earth is 4.6 billion years old. Scientists think that as populations have changed over time(adaptations), new species form other species die out (go extinct). Newer species descend from older species. Evolution- process in which populations gradually change over time. Scientists think that Earth has changed over time. Scientists estimate that Earth is 4.6 billion years old. Scientists think that as populations have changed over time(adaptations), new species form other species die out (go extinct). Newer species descend from older species. Evolution- process in which populations gradually change over time.

Evidence that organisms evolve can be found by comparing living organisms to each other and to the fossil record. The process of evolution is indicated by fossil records and common ancestry. It was proposed that evolution happens through a process called natural selection. Evidence that organisms evolve can be found by comparing living organisms to each other and to the fossil record. The process of evolution is indicated by fossil records and common ancestry. It was proposed that evolution happens through a process called natural selection.

Natural selection- the process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully than less well adapted individuals do; The four parts of natural selection are: 1. Overpopulation ( some eggs survival –other do not) 2. Inherited Variation (Every individual has its own combination of traits) 3. Struggle to Survive (some die because of predators, starvation, and disease) 4. Successful Reproduction (those best adapted to the environment have many offspring that survive) Natural selection- the process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully than less well adapted individuals do; The four parts of natural selection are: 1. Overpopulation ( some eggs survival –other do not) 2. Inherited Variation (Every individual has its own combination of traits) 3. Struggle to Survive (some die because of predators, starvation, and disease) 4. Successful Reproduction (those best adapted to the environment have many offspring that survive)

Speciation- formation of new species as a result of evolution The three steps of speciation are: 1. Isolation (division) (part of a population becomes separated from the rest) 2. Adaptation (the separated group may evolve different sets of traits ) 3. Division (two separated groups may become very different; groups may not be able to interbreed anymore) Speciation- formation of new species as a result of evolution The three steps of speciation are: 1. Isolation (division) (part of a population becomes separated from the rest) 2. Adaptation (the separated group may evolve different sets of traits ) 3. Division (two separated groups may become very different; groups may not be able to interbreed anymore)

Extinct-describes a species that has died out completely. Most scientists think that the extinction of dinosaurs happened because of extreme changes in the climate of the Earth. These changes could have resulted from a giant meteorite hitting the Earth or forces within the Earth could have caused many volcanoes and earthquakes. Extinct-describes a species that has died out completely. Most scientists think that the extinction of dinosaurs happened because of extreme changes in the climate of the Earth. These changes could have resulted from a giant meteorite hitting the Earth or forces within the Earth could have caused many volcanoes and earthquakes.

Genetic Resistance-When an organism changes or adapts to factors such as the environment, antibiotics, insecticides, and pollution to survive.

Isolation- refers to species being separated. Isolated populations can be unable to interact with each other because of geographic boundaries like an ocean or mountain. They can develop unique characteristics and cannot breed. Two populations can be isolated if they feed at different times or reproduce at different times of the year. Two or more populations may evolve differently from each other. Isolation- refers to species being separated. Isolated populations can be unable to interact with each other because of geographic boundaries like an ocean or mountain. They can develop unique characteristics and cannot breed. Two populations can be isolated if they feed at different times or reproduce at different times of the year. Two or more populations may evolve differently from each other.

Isolation stops populations from interbreeding so new species evolve.

Survival of the Fittest-When an organisms survives through adaptations such as biologically, physically, philologically, to enhance survival and reproduction rates.

Relationships with other organisms

Symbiotic relationships: –Mutualism: both organisms benefit –Parasitism: one is helped (the parasite) and the other is harmed (the host). –Commensalism: one benefits and the other is not helped nor harmed. Symbiotic relationships: –Mutualism: both organisms benefit –Parasitism: one is helped (the parasite) and the other is harmed (the host). –Commensalism: one benefits and the other is not helped nor harmed.

If organisms prey on each other the prey population has to outnumber the predator population in order for them to survive.

How do organisms impact tour environment? By studying an organisms behaviors and impacts in their environment, we can better manage our planet.

Organisms can modify the environment positively and negatively.

Humans can negatively modify the environment by building new roads, buildings, cutting off rivers, polluting the environment. These things can change wildlife’s way of living and can often lead to extinction. Humans can negatively modify the environment by building new roads, buildings, cutting off rivers, polluting the environment. These things can change wildlife’s way of living and can often lead to extinction.

Bacteria and fungi can positively modify the environment by breaking down dead and decaying materials, but they can negatively affect organisms by causing infections and sickness.

Plants give us food and oxygen but they can overtake certain areas and become invasive species. An invasive species is a non-native plant that invade and outgrow the local plants. Plants give us food and oxygen but they can overtake certain areas and become invasive species. An invasive species is a non-native plant that invade and outgrow the local plants.