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Lesson PreviewLesson 2 of 14 in this unit

7.2.1 Natural Selection

Part of Natural Selection in AP® Biology. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

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Importance of Phenotypic Variation in Populations

Phenotypic variation within a population is a critical factor in the process of evolution. This variation, which includes differences in physical traits, behaviors, and physiological processes, provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon. The environment continuously applies selective pressures that favor certain phenotypes over others, thereby influencing which traits become more common in future generations.

In this unit

14 lessons

  1. 7.1Introduction to Natural SelectionPreview lesson
  2. 7.2.1Natural SelectionThis lesson
  3. 7.2.2Phenotypic Variations and FitnessPreview lesson
  4. 7.3Artificial SelectionPreview lesson
  5. 7.4Population GeneticsPreview lesson
  6. 7.5Hardy-Weinberg EquilibriumPreview lesson
  7. 7.6Evidence of EvolutionPreview lesson
  8. 7.7Common AncestryPreview lesson
  9. 7.8Continuing EvolutionPreview lesson
  10. 7.9PhylogenyPreview lesson
  11. 7.10SpeciationPreview lesson
  12. 7.11ExtinctionPreview lesson
  13. 7.12Variations in PopulationsPreview lesson
  14. 7.13Origins of Life on EarthPreview lesson

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