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Artificial Selection — Reading Comprehension

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MS-LS4-5

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This passage explores the science of artificial selection for middle school students, aligning with NGSS standard MS-LS4-5. Students will learn how humans have shaped the traits of plants and animals by choosing which individuals reproduce, a process that works much faster than natural selection. The passage compares artificial selection to natural selection, highlighting key similarities and differences, and provides real-world examples such as the breeding of dogs from wolves and the transformation of wild plants into major crops like corn and broccoli. The reading also discusses the underlying genetic mechanisms, possible unintended consequences, and how artificial selection provides evidence for evolution. Integrated activities include a glossary, Spanish translation, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers, making the resource ideal for diverse learners. Audio support is included to enhance accessibility. This content is designed to deepen students’ understanding of genetics, heredity, and the impact of human choices on living organisms.

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Close-up of fresh green kale leaves showcasing their vibrant natural texture. — Kale was developed from wild mustard as a result of artificial selection. Image by Ilo Frey / Pexels.

Artificial selection is a powerful scientific process in which humans, not nature, decide which organisms are allowed to reproduce. This method has shaped many species around us, from the vegetables we eat to the pets we love. By selecting individuals with specific traits, people have rapidly changed the appearance and behavior of plants and animals. The process is significant because it highlights how genetic variation and selective breeding can lead to dramatic changes in living things over just a few generations.

How Artificial Selection Works
Artificial selection requires three key ingredients: variation, heredity, and selection. Variation means that individuals in a population differ in their traits, such as size, color, or strength. Heredity is the ability of those traits to be passed from parent to offspring through genes. In artificial selection, humans act as the selecting agents, choosing which individuals to breed based on desired traits. For example, all modern dog breeds were developed from wild wolves by humans repeatedly breeding dogs with certain behaviors or appearances. This process can rapidly create new breeds and varieties; while natural selection might take thousands of years, artificial selection can show noticeable changes in just a few decades.

Comparing Artificial and Natural Selection
Both artificial and natural selection rely on the same basic principles: variation, heredity, and the survival of certain traits over others. However, in natural selection, the environment determines which traits are beneficial and which individuals survive to reproduce. In artificial selection, humans make those choices, often for reasons unrelated to survival. For example, corn was developed from a wild grass called teosinte by Native Americans who selected plants with larger, sweeter kernels. Similarly, broccoli, cabbage, and kale all come from wild mustard, shaped by farmers who favored specific leaf shapes or flavors. The speed of artificial selection is much faster, since humans intentionally breed only those individuals with the most desirable traits.

Evidence and Consequences
Charles Darwin used artificial selection as evidence that selection can cause species to change over time. He observed how quickly breeders could alter animals like pigeons or cattle. However, artificial selection can have unintended consequences. For instance, some purebred dogs suffer from health problems because of the intense selection for certain looks or behaviors. These issues remind us that focusing only on a few traits can reduce genetic diversity, making populations more vulnerable to disease or environmental change.

Artificial selection demonstrates the power humans have to shape the living world. It also highlights the importance of genetic variation and careful decision-making in breeding. Understanding artificial selection helps us make better choices in agriculture, animal care, and conservation.

Interesting Fact:
Did you know that the bananas we eat today are the result of thousands of years of artificial selection? Wild bananas were full of hard seeds and barely edible!

What is artificial selection?

When humans choose which organisms reproduce based on desired traits.When the environment decides which organisms survive.When animals select their own mates.When plants reproduce without human help.

Which three ingredients are necessary for artificial selection to occur?

Variation, heredity, and selectionPhotosynthesis, respiration, and growthMigration, mutation, and adaptationTemperature, sunlight, and rainfall

What does the term 'heredity' mean as used in the passage?

Differences between individualsThe process of passing traits from parents to offspringChoosing which individuals will breedParts of DNA with information

What is 'teosinte'?

A wild grass that is the ancestor of modern cornA type of dog breedA scientist who studied geneticsA disease affecting plants

Why is artificial selection faster than natural selection?

Because humans intentionally breed only individuals with desirable traits each generation.Because it happens only in the wild.Because animals can choose faster than nature.Because it does not require variation or heredity.

How did artificial selection lead to the creation of dog breeds?

Humans bred wolves with certain behaviors or appearances over many generations.Dogs bred themselves without human help.Wolves changed naturally into dogs over millions of years.Wolves only ate certain foods, causing them to evolve.

Which of the following is an unintended consequence of artificial selection mentioned in the passage?

Health problems in purebred dogsIncreased genetic diversityFaster plant growthNew species appearing naturally

What evidence did Charles Darwin use to support his idea that species can change?

He observed how quickly breeders could change animals like pigeons or cattle.He studied photosynthesis in plants.He measured rainfall in different areas.He bred wild mustard into new vegetables.

True or False: In natural selection, humans decide which traits are best.

TrueFalse

True or False: Artificial selection can reduce genetic diversity in a population.

TrueFalse

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