Charles Darwin proposed a mechanism for descent with modification that stated that organisms of a particular species are adapted to their environment when they possess
A) non-heritable traits that enhance their survival in the local environment.
B) non-heritable traits that enhance their reproductive success in the local environment.
C) non-heritable traits that enhance their survival and reproductive success in the local environment.
D) heritable traits that enhance their survival and reproductive success in the local environment.
E) heritable traits that decrease their survival and reproductive success in the local environment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Darwin's mechanism proposed that traits that enhance survival and reproductive success are passed down through generations, meaning that they are heritable traits. Therefore, the correct choice is D. Choice A and B are incorrect because non-heritable traits cannot be passed from generation to generation. Choice C includes the correct idea of enhancing both survival and reproductive success, but it incorrectly includes non-heritable traits. Choice E is incorrect because traits that decrease survival and reproductive success would not be passed down through generations, so they would not be considered adaptations.

Charles Darwin Proposed a Mechanism for Descent with Modification That