Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between environmental catastrophes and natural selection?

• A. Environmental catastrophes prevent natural selection from acting.
• B. Natural selection can occur without environmental catastrophes.
• C. Environmental catastrophes are required for natural selection to occur.
• D. Natural selection only happens after mass extinction events.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is the process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits to the next generation.
2. Clarify the role of environmental catastrophes: Environmental catastrophes, such as volcanic eruptions or asteroid impacts, can create sudden changes in the environment, but they are not required for natural selection to occur. Natural selection operates continuously in response to environmental pressures, whether gradual or sudden.
3. Evaluate the statement 'Environmental catastrophes prevent natural selection from acting': This is incorrect because natural selection can still act on surviving populations after a catastrophe, favoring traits that help organisms adapt to the new conditions.
4. Evaluate the statement 'Natural selection can occur without environmental catastrophes': This is correct because natural selection is a continuous process that occurs in response to everyday environmental pressures, not just catastrophic events.
5. Evaluate the statement 'Natural selection only happens after mass extinction events': This is incorrect because natural selection occurs in all populations, regardless of whether a mass extinction event has occurred.