Question

Can species evolve traits because they need them? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Welcome to OpenStudy @bunnyumbrella !

Answer 2

Well, when an animal does not have the appropriate traits to survive it will die and not produce any offspring. Those who do survive because of their genetic traits will produce offspring, and as a result giving the next generate traits that would ensure their longevity. So yes they can evolve but not within a lifetime, but through generations. For instance, an adult giraffe with a small neck wouldn't be able to reach trees with high branches. It will not grow a lock neck, in its lifetime. Therefore, will die if it does not find other food sources. If it dies before it can reproduce, then it prevents its genes from entering the next generation. However, those giraffes who do have long necks and can feed on the high branches will live, and reproduce, giving their genes to the next generations, so they can thrive in those conditions. Hoped that helped !:) Best of luck.

Answer 3

Also, lol species don't evolve traits because they need them, evolution is not goal-orientated. So just because a spieces needs wings, it won't evolve wings through generations. Evoultion is limited to the variation in the genetic traits. natural selection acts on that variation to produce adaptations which are traits that help individuals to survive in a certain environment,