Natural selection occurs when
A) individuals whose phenotypes are best suited for environmental conditions have higher reproductive success and contribute more alleles to the next generation.
B) humans breed certain individuals with the most desirable phenotypes.
C) individuals whose phenotypes are best suited for environmental conditions have lower reproductive success but live longer.
D) the genotype of an individual does not determine whether or not is has reproductive success.

Question

Natural selection occurs when
A) individuals whose phenotypes are best suited for environmental conditions have higher reproductive success and contribute more alleles to the next generation.
B) humans breed certain individuals with the most desirable phenotypes.
C) individuals whose phenotypes are best suited for environmental conditions have lower reproductive success but live longer.
D) the genotype of an individual does not determine whether or not is has reproductive success.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natural selection is the process by which individuals with advantageous traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this can lead to the evolution of a population. Option B is incorrect because humans consciously manipulate breeding, whereas natural selection is a process that occurs independently of human intervention. Option C is also incorrect because natural selection favors individuals with advantageous traits in terms of reproductive success. Finally, option D is incorrect because an individual's genotype plays a crucial role in determining its inherited traits, which can affect its reproductive success in a given environment.

Natural Selection Occurs When