Environmental factors can influence natural selection because they can increase or decrease which of the following?

• A. the number of chromosomes in a species
• B. the rate of DNA replication in all organisms equally
• C. the amount of sunlight received by the planet
• D. the reproductive success of certain phenotypes

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is a process where individuals with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully than others. This leads to the increased prevalence of those advantageous traits in the population over generations.
2. Identify the role of environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as temperature, availability of resources, predators, or competition, can create selective pressures. These pressures influence which traits (phenotypes) are advantageous in a given environment.
3. Clarify the term 'reproductive success': Reproductive success refers to the ability of an organism to survive, reproduce, and pass on its genes to the next generation. Phenotypes that enhance survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: The number of chromosomes in a species is not directly influenced by environmental factors. Similarly, the rate of DNA replication in all organisms equally and the amount of sunlight received by the planet are not directly tied to natural selection processes.
5. Conclude with the correct answer: Environmental factors influence natural selection by affecting the reproductive success of certain phenotypes. This means that some traits become more common in the population because they provide a survival or reproductive advantage in a specific environment.