Question 1

What is natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection is how animals and plants change over time. It's like a big contest where the best pieces of a living thing help it survive and have babies.

Question 2

Why is natural selection important?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection helps living things get better at surviving in their homes. It helps make sure that only the strongest or smartest have babies and stay alive.

Question 3

How does natural selection work?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection works when animals or plants with good traits survive better. They have more babies, and their helpful traits get passed down.

Question 4

What is a trait in natural selection?

Accepted Answer

A trait is a special part of an animal or plant, like color, speed, or strength. Good traits help them survive and have babies.

Question 5

Can you give an example of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Sure! Think of a giraffe. Long necks let them reach tasty leaves high in trees, so long-necked giraffes are more likely to survive and have baby giraffes.

Question 6

Does natural selection happen fast?

Accepted Answer

No, natural selection usually takes a long time! It can take many, many years for changes to show up in animals and plants.

Question 7

Do all animals have to go through natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all kinds of animals and plants experience natural selection. It’s a process that happens everywhere nature exists.

Question 8

What happens to animals that don’t adapt?

Accepted Answer

Animals that don’t adapt might not survive as easily. If they can't find food or hide from threats, they might have fewer babies.

Question 9

Can natural selection make new species?

Accepted Answer

Yes, over many years, natural selection can lead to new species. Special traits can make groups so different that they become new species.

Question 10

What are predators in natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Predators are the animals that hunt and eat other animals. Being eaten by predators is a challenge, so having traits to escape them is important!

Question 11

Do humans have natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Yes, humans also experience natural selection. But we also use technology and medicine, which can change how it works for us.

Question 12

What is adaptation in natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Adaptation is when animals or plants change to survive better. Like a fox growing a thick fur coat for winter!

Question 13

Why do some animals have camouflage?

Accepted Answer

Camouflage helps animals hide from predators. If they blend into their surroundings, it's harder for predators to find them.

Question 14

Can natural selection happen because of the environment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, changes in the environment can cause natural selection. Animals and plants might need to change to survive floods or dry times.

Question 15

What role do babies play in natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Babies are important because they carry the traits of their parents. If parents have good traits, they pass them to their babies.

Question 16

What is survival of the fittest?

Accepted Answer

It means the animals or plants that are best at surviving and having babies are the ones that pass their traits to the next generation.

Question 17

Can plants also evolve through natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Yes, plants also change over time. Some may develop bigger leaves or grow taller to catch more sunlight.

Question 18

Why are some animals faster than others?

Accepted Answer

Being fast can help some animals escape from dangers and catch food. Fast animals survive better and have more babies.

Question 19

What is a mutation in natural selection?

Accepted Answer

A mutation is like a small change or mistake in a living thing’s genes. Sometimes mutations help creatures survive better.

Question 20

Why do some animals go extinct?

Accepted Answer

Some animals go extinct if they can’t adapt to changes in their world, like losing their homes or having less food to eat.

The Process of Natural Selection - 20 FAQs Explained Simply