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Multiple Choice
Which of the following lists the three necessary conditions for natural selection to occur?
A
Equal survival rates, environmental stability, and unlimited resources
B
Variation in traits, heritability of traits, and differential reproductive success
C
Mutation, genetic drift, and gene flow
D
Large population size, random mating, and no migration
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of natural selection. Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.
Step 2: Identify the necessary conditions for natural selection to occur. These include: (1) Variation in traits among individuals in a population, (2) Heritability of those traits (traits must be genetically passed from parents to offspring), and (3) Differential reproductive success (individuals with certain traits must reproduce more successfully than others).
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Compare each option to the necessary conditions for natural selection. For example, 'Equal survival rates, environmental stability, and unlimited resources' contradicts the concept of differential reproductive success, which requires unequal survival and reproduction.
Step 4: Evaluate the correct answer: 'Variation in traits, heritability of traits, and differential reproductive success.' This matches the three necessary conditions for natural selection to occur.
Step 5: Reflect on why the other options are incorrect. For instance, 'Mutation, genetic drift, and gene flow' are mechanisms of evolution but not the conditions for natural selection. Similarly, 'Large population size, random mating, and no migration' are assumptions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, not natural selection.