FOCUS QUESTION

How does natural selection drive evolution?

The map breaks this topic into its core concepts, connected by labeled relationships. Each link is written so it can be read as a complete statement — not just an unlabeled line between boxes.

Concepts and relationships

  • Natural Selection requires Variation.
  • Natural Selection begins with Overproduction.
  • Overproduction causes Competition.
  • Variation provides Adaptation.
  • Competition leads to Survival of the Fittest.
  • Survival of the Fittest favors Reproduction.
  • Reproduction drives Evolution.

How to read this map

Read the chain from variation and overproduction through competition and survival to reproduction and evolution.

Learning objectives

  • State the conditions for natural selection.
  • Explain “survival of the fittest”.
  • Link adaptation to survival and reproduction.
  • Connect natural selection to evolution.
Review standard: The mechanism reflects widely taught evolutionary biology and is reviewed against established sources. Sources: OpenStax Biology 2e — Evolution and Natural Selection.