Which statement about natural selection is most correct?
A)Adaptations beneficial in one habitat should generally be beneficial in all other habitats as well.
B)Different species that occupy the same habitat will adapt to that habitat by undergoing the same genetic changes.
C)Adaptations beneficial at one time should generally be beneficial during all other times as well.
D)Well-adapted individuals leave more offspring, and thus contribute more to the next generation's gene pool, than do poorly adapted individuals.
E)Natural selection is the sole means by which populations can evolve.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement accurately describes the concept of natural selection, where individuals with advantageous adaptations have a higher reproductive success and pass on those beneficial traits to their offspring. Options A, B, and C are not entirely accurate as adaptations may not always be universally beneficial, and different species may undergo different genetic changes to adapt to the same habitat, and the benefit of an adaptation may depend on the changing environmental conditions. Option E is incorrect as genetic drift and gene flow can also contribute to population evolution, in addition to natural selection.

Which Statement About Natural Selection Is Most Correct