Which of the following is NOT true about natural selection? a. It depends on both inheritance and variation. b. It explains how environments affect which organisms live and reproduce. c. It ensures that only the biggest and strongest organisms survive. d. It results in adaptations that improve an organism’s chances of survival.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c. It ensures that only the biggest and strongest organisms survive.
Explanation:
Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution that explains how species change over time. It operates based on the principles of inheritance and variation. In any population, individuals show differences in traits, and some of these traits are heritable, meaning they can be passed from parents to offspring. Because of variation, some individuals have characteristics better suited to their environment than others.
Natural selection works by affecting which individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce. Those with traits that improve their chances in a specific environment tend to leave more offspring, causing those advantageous traits to become more common in the population over generations. This process leads to adaptations, which are traits that enhance survival or reproduction in a particular environment.
The statement that natural selection ensures only the biggest and strongest survive is a common misconception. Survival does not depend solely on size or strength. Instead, it depends on how well an organism’s traits fit its environment. For example, in some cases, being small, camouflaged, or quick might be more beneficial than being large or strong. Many organisms survive and reproduce because of traits like speed, intelligence, camouflage, or resistance to disease, rather than physical strength alone.
Natural selection also explains how the environment influences which traits become more common. Changes in the environment can shift which characteristics provide an advantage, meaning that the traits favored by natural selection can vary depending on ecological conditions.
In summary, natural selection depends on variation and inheritance, shapes populations by favoring traits that improve survival and reproduction, and is influenced by the environment. It does not guarantee that only the biggest or strongest organisms survive but rather those best adapted to their specific conditions.