A gradual change in the characteristics of a population of plants or animals over successive generations is known as which term?

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Study for the California Science Test. Get ready for the 8th grade exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Prepare with confidence!

Multiple Choice

A gradual change in the characteristics of a population of plants or animals over successive generations is known as which term?

Explanation:
Evolution is the gradual change in inherited traits within a population across generations. It describes how the frequencies of traits in a population shift over time due to variation, inheritance, and differential survival and reproduction. Natural selection is one mechanism that can drive evolution by favoring traits that help individuals survive or reproduce, while artificial selection is human-driven breeding for specific traits. The word “theory” refers to a well-supported explanation, not the process itself. So the described idea—traits changing gradually over generations—fits evolution best.

Evolution is the gradual change in inherited traits within a population across generations. It describes how the frequencies of traits in a population shift over time due to variation, inheritance, and differential survival and reproduction. Natural selection is one mechanism that can drive evolution by favoring traits that help individuals survive or reproduce, while artificial selection is human-driven breeding for specific traits. The word “theory” refers to a well-supported explanation, not the process itself. So the described idea—traits changing gradually over generations—fits evolution best.

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