Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

What is Natural Selection?

What is Natural Selection?

Natural selection is an evolutionary process in which individuals with survival-promoting traits reproduce at higher rates. These favorable traits become more common within a population or species. Naturally selected traits initially arise via random genetic mutations. In order for selection to occur, there must be variation within a population, the trait controlling the variation must be heritable, and there must be an evolutionary advantage for variation in the trait.

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).

The Fossil Record

The Fossil Record

The fossil record documents only a small fraction of all organisms that have ever inhabited Earth. Fossilization is a rare process, and most organisms never become fossils. Moreover, the fossil record only exhibits fossils that have been discovered. Nevertheless, sedimentary rock fossils of long-lived, abundant, hard-bodied organisms dominate the fossil record. These fossils offer valuable information, such as an organism's physical form, behavior, and age. Studying the fossil record helps...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Isotopic Evidence Suggests a High Contribution of Hypohalous Acids to Sulfate Formation in the Coastal Marine Boundary Layer.

Environmental science & technology·2026

Same author

Protecting stable biological nomenclatural systems enables universal communication: A collective international appeal.

Bioscience·2024

Same author

Grand challenges in entomology: Priorities for action in the coming decades.

Insect conservation and diversity·2024

Same author

Overview of the Alaskan Layered Pollution and Chemical Analysis (ALPACA) Field Experiment.

ACS ES&T air·2024

Same author

One elephant may sustain 2 million dung beetles in East African savannason any given day.

Die Naturwissenschaften·2024

Same author

Authorship and date of publication of the name Scarabaeus stercorosus (currently Anoplotrupes stercorosus) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Geotrupidae).

Zootaxa·2021

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 23, 2026

An Experimental Study on Colorado Potato Beetle Hibernation Under Natural Conditions

An Experimental Study on Colorado Potato Beetle Hibernation Under Natural Conditions

Published on: November 17, 2023

Dung beetles.

Frank-Thorsten Krell¹, Allison R Moon²

¹Department of Zoology, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205-5798, USA.

Current Biology : CB

|June 19, 2019

Summary

This study introduces dung beetles, highlighting their ecological importance and the research by Frank T. Krell and Allison R. Moon. These insects play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and habitat health.

Area of Science:

Entomology
Ecology
Environmental Science

Background:

Dung beetles are essential for ecosystem health.
Their role in nutrient cycling and seed dispersal is significant.
Understanding dung beetle behavior is key to conservation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce the fascinating world of dung beetles.
To provide an overview of their ecological significance.
To highlight the contributions of researchers like Frank T. Krell and Allison R. Moon.

Main Methods:

Literature review on dung beetle ecology.
Synthesis of existing research on dung beetle behavior.
Introduction to key researchers and their findings.

More Related Videos

Larval RNA Interference in the Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Larval RNA Interference in the Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Published on: October 13, 2014

Measuring the Flight Ability of the Ambrosia Beetle, Platypus Quercivorus Murayama, Using a Low-Cost, Small, and Easily Constructed Flight Mill

Measuring the Flight Ability of the Ambrosia Beetle, Platypus Quercivorus Murayama, Using a Low-Cost, Small, and Easily Constructed Flight Mill

Published on: August 6, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jan 23, 2026

An Experimental Study on Colorado Potato Beetle Hibernation Under Natural Conditions

An Experimental Study on Colorado Potato Beetle Hibernation Under Natural Conditions

Published on: November 17, 2023

Larval RNA Interference in the Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Larval RNA Interference in the Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Published on: October 13, 2014

Measuring the Flight Ability of the Ambrosia Beetle, Platypus Quercivorus Murayama, Using a Low-Cost, Small, and Easily Constructed Flight Mill

Measuring the Flight Ability of the Ambrosia Beetle, Platypus Quercivorus Murayama, Using a Low-Cost, Small, and Easily Constructed Flight Mill

Published on: August 6, 2018

Main Results:

Dung beetles exhibit diverse behaviors crucial for ecosystem functioning.
Their activities contribute to soil health and pest reduction.
Research underscores their importance in various biomes.

Conclusions:

Dung beetles are vital components of healthy ecosystems.
Further research is needed to fully understand and conserve these insects.
Their ecological services benefit both natural environments and agriculture.