Evolution Discussion
Some of the statements concerning evolution and genetics below are true and some are false.
Label each statement as true or false. After doing so, please write the evidence and reasoning that
will support your position.

Natural selection acts on the phenotype.

Traits that confer “fitness” on an individual in a population will be an advantage
forever in the future.

The most “fit” organisms are the biggest, strongest, and fastest growing in the
population.

Evolution always leads to more complex, better organisms.

When a population develops resistance to a chemical or disease, it is because
individual organisms in the population have become immune to the chemical or
disease, and passed that immunity on to their offspring.

All traits observed in nature are “adaptive” because if they were not the product
of natural selection they would not be there.

Individual organisms can evolve.

If a population requires a mutation to continue to exist, that mutation is likely to
arise.

Since bacteria have more offspring than humans they are “more fit” than humans.

Natural selection creates new traits.

A recessive trait is one that blends in and is lost. It cannot reappear in future
generations.

Evolution involves change over time in populations.