Let's look at some examples of how genetic diversity, mutations, and natural selection can change a population.

Organism	Adaptation	Why is it Beneficial?
	The seeds of a dandelion are like a parachute and can be carried by the wind. One dandelion can have 180 seeds.	Being carried by the wind allows the seeds to be planted far from the parent plant. Producing 180 seeds increases the chances that one or more seeds will grow into an adult plant.
	A male peacock has numerous large, colorful feathers. When he is seeking a mate, he spreads his feathers into a large fan and struts to attract the attention of a female peacock.	The male peacock with the largest fan of feathers is most likely to attract a mate. If he mates with a female and they produce offspring, his traits are passed along to future generations.
	Rabbits have between 2 and 9 babies in each litter. They can produce several litters of babies each year.	If there is a large number of offspring, it is more likely that enough will survive to adulthood to reproduce and pass their traits to future generations.

What Would Happen If?

Look at the following descriptions and pictures. Answer the questions on your own paper.

1. A baby deer (also called a fawn) has spots when it is young. These spots allow the fawn to more easily blend into the environment.

What would happen if a fawn did not have spots?

Check Your Answer 1 The fawn could be easily seen by predators and would not survive Close

2. A kiwi plant has many black seeds inside the fruit. Any of these seeds is able to produce a kiwi plant if it is allowed to grow in the right conditions.

What would happen if a kiwi only produced 5 seeds in each fruit?

Check Your Answer 2 If it only had 5 seeds the 5 seeds might not mature to produce a new plant. Close

3. A primate like the monkey in the picture usually produces only one or two offspring at a time. The mother cares for her young for many months until they are able to care for themselves.

What would happen if a monkey had 12 offspring at a time?

Check Your Answer 3 The mother monkey could not take care of 12 offspring. The offspring would compete for limited recourse. The ones that were best adapted would survive. The others would die. Close