Natural selection functions
A) by causing mutations in the genome.
B) by producing structural and functional changes within organisms.
C) through differential probabilities of survival and reproductive success.
D) through sexual selection and genetic drift.
E) by allowing unlimited growth of populations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natural selection acts on the variation within a population, favoring traits that increase an organism's chances of surviving and reproducing. The result is differential probabilities of survival and reproductive success, which in turn affect the frequency of alleles (variants of genes) in the population over time. Natural selection does not directly cause mutations, but it can indirectly influence their frequency if they confer a selective advantage. Structural and functional changes may result from natural selection, but they are not its primary mechanism. Sexual selection and genetic drift are other evolutionary processes that can contribute to the evolution of populations, but they are distinct from natural selection. Finally, natural selection does not allow unlimited growth of populations, as resources are finite and competition will eventually limit population size.

Natural Selection Functions