1. Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST!!!

2. How does Evolution by Natural Selection occur?
Overproduction
Competition
Variations
Survival of the Fittest
Reproduction
Speciation
One Can Very Secretly Run South

3. 1) Overproduction
More organisms are produced (born) than can survive in the environment.
Limited Resources

4. 2) Competition for Resources
Organisms fight/compete for the limited resources.
Space
Food
Water
Mates

5. 3) Variation
Differences exist among members of the population that make them more fit to survive than others
Longer Necks
Stronger
Color that blends in
High Adaptive Value = Good
Low Adaptive Value = Bad

6. 4) Survival of the Fittest
Individuals with the best traits (adaptations) will survive.
Organisms without good adaptations will die out.

7. 5) Reproduction
Only individuals that survive will be able to reproduce.
When “fit” individuals reproduce, they will pass on their positive adaptations.

8. 6) Speciation
Over time, after many generations of natural selection, new species with different variations of similar traits may form.
The Making of the Fittest: Natural Selection and Adaptation