Environmental factors can influence natural selection because they can increase or decrease
A. the number of chromosomes in an individual.
B. the number of chromosomes in a population.
C. the amount of genetic variation in an individual.
D. the amount of genetic variation in a population.
Answer (2)
Environmental factors influence natural selection by impacting genetic variation in a population. These factors can favor certain traits, leading to changes in genetic diversity. Therefore, the correct answer is option D: the amount of genetic variation in a population.
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Environmental factors play a significant role in the process of natural selection because they affect how species adapt and evolve over time. Natural selection is a mechanism by which species better suited to their environment survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation.
The correct answer to the question is D. the amount of genetic variation in a population.
Here's how environmental factors can influence natural selection by impacting genetic variation in a population:
Environmental Changes: Changes in climate, availability of resources, presence of predators, and other environmental conditions can create pressure on populations to adapt. For example, a change in climate might favor traits that allow individuals to cope with colder temperatures.
Survival and Reproduction: Individuals with traits that are better suited for the new environmental conditions are more likely to survive and reproduce. This leads to an increase in the frequency of these advantageous traits in the population.
Genetic Variation: Genetic variation refers to the diversity of genes or traits within a population. It's crucial for a population's ability to adapt to changing environments. Without enough genetic variation, a population may not be able to adapt quickly enough to survive changes in the environment.
Adaptation: Over successive generations, the traits that offer survival advantages become more common in the population. This shift is natural selection at work, driven by environmental factors that determine which traits are beneficial.
In summary, environmental factors can increase or decrease the amount of genetic variation within a population, which influences how that population adapts to changes and evolves over time. This process is essential to understanding how species evolve and thrive in diverse and changing environments.
