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Multiple Choice
Which term best describes the process in which unequal survival and reproduction result from the presence or absence of particular traits within a population?
A
Mutation
B
Natural selection
C
Genetic drift
D
Gene flow
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is the process by which individuals with traits that are better suited to their environment have higher survival and reproduction rates, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time.
Compare natural selection with mutation: Mutation refers to changes in the DNA sequence, which can introduce new traits but does not directly describe unequal survival and reproduction.
Compare natural selection with genetic drift: Genetic drift is a random process that affects allele frequencies in a population, often due to chance events, and does not necessarily involve traits influencing survival or reproduction.
Compare natural selection with gene flow: Gene flow involves the movement of alleles between populations due to migration, which can introduce genetic variation but does not directly describe unequal survival and reproduction.
Conclude that natural selection is the correct term because it specifically describes the process where certain traits lead to unequal survival and reproduction within a population.