What are examples of adaptations resulting from natural selection?

Examples of adaptations resulting from natural selection include the long neck of giraffes, camouflage in chameleons, and antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

The long neck of giraffes is a classic example of natural selection. Over generations, giraffes with longer necks had a competitive advantage as they could reach food sources that others couldn't. This meant they were more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their long-neck genes to the next generation. Over time, the giraffe population evolved to have longer necks.

Camouflage in chameleons is another fascinating example. Chameleons that could blend in with their environment were less likely to be spotted by predators, increasing their chances of survival. This trait was then passed on to their offspring. Over time, the ability to change colour became more sophisticated, resulting in the incredible variety of patterns and colours we see in chameleons today.

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a more recent and concerning example of natural selection. When a population of bacteria is exposed to an antibiotic, those that are naturally resistant survive and reproduce, while the others die off. This leads to a population of bacteria that is resistant to that antibiotic. This process has led to the emergence of 'superbugs' that are resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing a significant challenge to modern medicine.

These examples illustrate how natural selection works. Traits that provide a survival advantage in a particular environment become more common in the population over time. This process of gradual change over generations is the driving force behind evolution.