Natural selection is the mechanism of evolution that acts on the
heritable variations of individuals and results in a population that is better adapted to
its current environment. In the following sections, you will learn more about natural
selection, adaptation, and the sources of genetic variation within populations.
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Rainforest hummingbird populations offer a
rich look into how the process of natural selection works. Watch Video for Students:
"How Does Evolution Really Work?" to get an overview of natural selection. After
watching, think about:
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What are the key components of natural selection? |
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What kinds of limited resources can create a struggle
between individuals in a population? |
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What kinds of variable traits within a population might
natural selection act upon? |
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How does natural selection affect the genetic variation
within the next generation of the same population? |
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