Define artificial selection, and compare and contrast it with natural selection.

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1. Define artificial selection: Artificial selection, also known as selective breeding, is a process used by humans to develop new organisms with desirable characteristics. Breeders select which individuals to breed, often with a specific trait in mind, and by mating them, the trait becomes more common in subsequent generations.
2. Define natural selection: Natural selection is a process in nature where organisms with traits that better enable them to adapt to their specific environments have a better chance of surviving and reproducing. Traits that enhance survival and reproduction will increase in frequency over time.
3. Compare the driving forces: In artificial selection, humans make decisions as to which traits are desirable and selectively breed individuals that exhibit those traits. In natural selection, the environment plays the role of selecting which traits are beneficial for survival and reproduction, without human intervention.
4. Contrast the speed and outcomes: Artificial selection can bring about changes in traits much more quickly than natural selection because breeders can control which organisms reproduce. Natural selection usually requires more generations to see significant changes in a population.
5. Discuss the implications of each: Artificial selection can lead to a loss of genetic diversity because it often involves breeding among a small group of individuals. Natural selection, on the other hand, can lead to the development of new species over long periods of time as different populations adapt to their environments.

Key Concepts

Artificial Selection

Artificial selection is a process in which humans intentionally breed plants or animals for specific traits. This selective breeding is based on desired characteristics, such as size, color, or yield, rather than natural environmental pressures. Over generations, this can lead to significant changes in the traits of the species, often resulting in varieties that would not occur in nature.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution, where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully than others. This process is driven by environmental pressures, such as predation, competition, and climate, leading to the gradual evolution of species. Unlike artificial selection, natural selection occurs without human intervention and is based on the survival of the fittest.

Comparison of Selection Processes

While both artificial and natural selection result in changes to species over time, they differ fundamentally in their mechanisms. Artificial selection is guided by human choice, focusing on specific traits, whereas natural selection is an organic process influenced by environmental factors. Additionally, artificial selection can lead to rapid changes in a species, while natural selection typically occurs over longer timescales, promoting adaptations that enhance survival in a given environment.