Biology101 - Darwin

Biology101 - Darwin

Fact 1: Populations can theoretically grow exponentially and unlimitedly.

Fact 2: The size of population stays more or less stable despite occasional fluctuations.

Fact 3: The resources (food, water, living space etc.) needed by a population are limited.

Question 1: What did Darwin conclude from these three facts in regard to the situation of an individual organism in a population?

Darwin concluded from this that it is the “survival of the fittest”. Populations might grow indefinitely, but the resources they need won't. As soon as the supply reaches its limit and the fight for it starts, natural selection kicks in. Those individuals who are better suited for survival ( for example, faster and stronger so that they can hunt better) will reproduce more and so the “better” traits will more likely survive and evolve then the others. If the individual can't survive or thrive, then it won't have much chance to produce offspring.

If the circumstances change ( for example less game, so more food has to be harvested/dug up), those who can adapt the best have a better chance of handing down there genes to another generation then the ones who can not. If they've been fast hunters and can't adapt to being observant gatherers, their chance of survival are slim.

Fact 4: Each individual is unique.

Fact 5: Much of an individual's uniqueness can be passed on to the offspring.

Question 2: What do these facts mean for the fate of the individual and his or her offspring in comparison to other such individuals and offspring? Who or what does