AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Genetic variations that alter gene activity or protein function can introduce different traits in an organism. If a trait is advantageous and helps the individual survive and reproduce, the genetic variation is more likely to be passed to the next generation (a process known as natural selection).

Detailed explanation-2: -Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population. Through this process of natural selection, favorable traits are transmitted through generations. Natural selection can lead to speciation, where one species gives rise to a new and distinctly different species.

Detailed explanation-3: -Natural selection can only occur if there is variation among members of the same species. Mutation, meiosis and sexual reproduction cause variation between individuals in a species. Adaptations are characteristics that make an individual suited to its environment and way of life.

Detailed explanation-4: -Natural selection occurs only if there is both (1) variation in the genetic information between organisms in a population and (2) variation in the expression of that genetic information-that is, trait variation-that leads to differences in performance among individuals.

Detailed explanation-5: -Mutations are the source of new variation. Natural selection itself does not create new traits; it only changes the proportion of variation that is already present in the population.