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Multiple Choice
Which concept in natural selection is best illustrated by the statement: "more offspring are produced than can survive"?
A
Stabilizing selection
B
Overproduction of offspring
C
Genetic drift
D
Gene flow
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Focus on the statement 'more offspring are produced than can survive': This highlights the idea that organisms produce more offspring than the environment can support, leading to competition for limited resources.
Identify the term 'Overproduction of offspring': This concept is a key principle of natural selection, where excess offspring increase the likelihood that some will survive and reproduce despite environmental challenges.
Clarify why 'Stabilizing selection,' 'Genetic drift,' and 'Gene flow' are not correct: Stabilizing selection refers to favoring intermediate traits, genetic drift involves random changes in allele frequencies, and gene flow is the transfer of genetic material between populations. None of these directly address the idea of producing more offspring than can survive.
Conclude that the correct concept illustrated by the statement is 'Overproduction of offspring,' as it directly aligns with the principle of natural selection described in the problem.