Question

question 1 (5 points)
the process of natural selection occurs in response to a number of conditions:

• genetic ______ : (diverse combination of alleles within a population) major contributing factors are sexual reproduction, crossing over during meiosis, gene flow during migration, mutations
• competition : there is a ______ for survival (species tend to produce more offspring than the environment can support)
• selection : ______ pressures lead to differential reproduction within a population
• adaptations : individuals with beneficial ______ will be more likely to survive and pass these traits on to their offspring
• evolution : over time, there is a change in allele ______ within the population gene pool

word bank:
environmental, struggle, variation, traits, frequency

Explanation:

• For the first blank (Genetic ______), the description is about diverse allele combinations. "Variation" fits as genetic variation refers to the diversity of alleles in a population.
• The second blank (Competition: There is a ______ for survival) - "struggle" is appropriate as species struggle for survival (since they produce more offspring than the environment can support, leading to competition).
• Third blank (Selection: ______ pressures) - "Environmental" pressures drive natural selection, as the environment influences which traits are beneficial.
• Fourth blank (Adaptations: Individuals with beneficial ______) - "traits" are the characteristics that help survival, so beneficial traits are passed on.
• Fifth blank (Evolution: change in allele ______) - "frequency" is correct, as evolution involves changes in allele frequencies in a gene pool.

Answer:

Blank 1: variation
Blank 2: struggle
Blank 3: Environmental
Blank 4: traits
Blank 5: frequency