For natural selection to generate evolutionary change in a population ____.
A) there need not be any differences in the traits of individuals in that population
B) the change in gene frequencies must help the species in the long run
C) the differences must have a hereditary basis
D) the change in gene frequencies will probably be harmful to the species

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natural selection can only act on traits that have a genetic component and are heritable, meaning that they can be passed down from one generation to the next. Therefore, for natural selection to generate evolutionary change in a population, the differences between individuals must have a hereditary basis. Option A is incorrect because if there are no differences in traits, natural selection cannot act on the population. Option B is incorrect because not all changes in gene frequencies are beneficial for a species in the long run. Option D is also incorrect because natural selection typically favors traits that increase an organism's survival and reproduction, not harm it.

For Natural Selection to Generate Evolutionary Change in a Population