AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Heredity is a process in which organisms acquire characteristics from their parents. These characteristics are called traits. Every individual is unique because they have a unique set of traits. The traits which are transmitted by the parent to its offspring during the process of fertilization are inherited traits.

Detailed explanation-2: -Adaptation and Survival An adaptation is any heritable trait that helps an organism, such as a plant or animal, survive and reproduce in its environment.

Detailed explanation-3: -Definition: A biological characteristic with a heritable basis that improves reproduction and/or survival and results from evolution by natural selection.

Detailed explanation-4: -Through reproduction, genes are passed on to offspring. This passes down the genes coding for physical characteristics suited to the new environment. Individuals less suited to the environment may not thrive and their genes are less likely to be passed onto the next generation.

Detailed explanation-5: -Natural selection explains how organisms in a population develop traits that allow them to survive and reproduce. Natural selection means that traits that offer an advantage will most likely be passed on to offspring; individuals with those traits have a better chance of surviving.