Problem 7 - Biology of Humans: Concepts, Applications, and Issues

Question

A trait that increases the chance that an organism will survive and reproduce in its natural environment is described as being a. adaptive. b. inductive. c. hypothetical. d. deductive.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a. adaptive

Step 1: Understand the Question

The question is asking for a term used to describe a trait that increases an organism's chance of survival and reproduction in its natural environment.

Step 2: Examine the Options

Read through the options provided: adaptive, inductive, hypothetical, and deductive.

Step 3: Define Key Terms

Break down and define each option:- Adaptive: Related to adaptation, which means a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce.- Inductive: Relating to logical reasoning, not specifically linked to survival traits.- Hypothetical: Based on a hypothesis or assumption, not directly about survival traits.- Deductive: Relating to logical reasoning, not specifically linked to survival traits.

Step 4: Match Definition to Concept

Compare the definitions to the concept of increasing survival and reproduction chances. The term 'adaptive' fits this description as it refers to traits that aid in survival and reproduction.

Step 5: Select the Answer

Based on the definitions and comparison, the best term that describes a trait increasing an organism's chance of survival and reproduction is 'adaptive'.

Key Concepts

natural selection

Natural selection is a fundamental concept in biology that explains how certain traits become more common in a population over time. When organisms are born, they have variations in their traits. Some of these variations give them a better chance to survive in their environment.

Natural selection works like this:

• Organisms with favorable traits (those that help them live longer, get more food, or escape predators) are more likely to survive.
• These organisms also have a better chance to reproduce and pass on these helpful traits to their offspring.

Over many generations, these traits become more common in the population. This process leads to the adaptation of species to their environments.

survival traits

Survival traits are characteristics that help an organism live longer in its environment. These traits can be physical (like a thick fur coat for cold climates) or behavioral (like birds migrating to warmer areas during winter).

Some common types of survival traits include:

• Camouflage: Helps organisms blend with their surroundings, making it harder for predators to spot them.
• Mimicry: Where an organism looks or behaves like another, more dangerous organism to avoid predation.
• Physiological adaptations: Include traits like the ability to retain water in desert animals or the production of antifreeze-like proteins in Arctic fish.

These traits have been passed down through generations because they improve the organism's chances of surviving and reproducing.

reproduction

Reproduction is the biological process by which new individual organisms (offspring) are produced from their parents. It is essential for the continuation of a species. There are two main types of reproduction:

• Sexual reproduction: Involves two parents and the combination of their genetic material to produce genetically diverse offspring. This diversity can increase a population’s adaptability to changing environments.
• Asexual reproduction: Involves only one parent, and the offspring are almost identical to the parent. Examples include bacteria splitting into two or plants producing runners.

Reproduction is closely linked to survival traits. Organisms with traits that help them survive longer are also more likely to reproduce successfully and pass on their adaptive traits to their offspring. This ensures that these beneficial traits become more common in future generations.