Evolutionary Survival of the Fittest
What will most likely happen to a snake population where orange snakes have a harder time blending into the environment according to Darwin’s theory of evolution?
1. Most orange snakes will survive and reproduce, passing on their traits to their offspring. Few black snakes will remain in the population.
2. Most black snakes will survive and reproduce, passing on their traits to their offspring. The number of orange snakes in the population will not change.
3. The black snakes will survive and reproduce, passing on their traits to their offspring. Few orange snakes will remain in the population.
4. Most orange snakes will survive and reproduce, passing on their traits to their offspring. The number of black snakes in the population will not change.
Answer:
The black snakes will survive and reproduce while the orange snakes die out.
Explanation:
The orange snakes will be easier to see by their prey and predators, and therefore will die out while the black snakes thrive because of their camouflage.
According to Darwin's theory of evolution, the concept of "survival of the fittest" applies to situations like the one described with the snake population. In this scenario, the black snakes, which have an advantage of blending into the environment, will likely survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring.
On the other hand, the orange snakes, facing difficulties in blending in, will have a harder time catching food and escaping predators. As a result, most orange snakes will likely die out over time, leading to a decrease in their population.
This natural selection process, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes, is a key mechanism in the evolution of species. Through this process, populations can adapt to changes in their environment and improve their chances of survival.