What does "Selection Pressure" mean?
Table of Contents
Selection pressure refers to the environmental factors that influence which individuals in a population survive and reproduce. When certain traits give an advantage for survival or reproduction, those traits become more common over time. This process is a key part of evolution.
How It Works
In nature, animals and plants face challenges like finding food, avoiding predators, and adapting to climate changes. The individuals that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and pass their traits to the next generation. This can involve changes in physical features, behaviors, or even genetic traits.
Examples in Nature
For instance, when animals move to a new habitat, they may develop different traits to help them succeed in that new environment. This is seen in butterflies that live at different altitudes, where they may change their sensory abilities to better adapt to their surroundings.
Importance of Selection Pressure
Selection pressure is crucial for the diversity of life. It shapes how species develop over time, leading to new adaptations and sometimes creating new species. By understanding selection pressure, we can learn more about how living things respond to changes in their environment.