Which of the following best describes a key difference between natural selection and artificial selection?

• A. Natural selection and artificial selection both require intentional breeding by humans.
• B. Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures, while artificial selection is driven by human choices.
• C. Artificial selection occurs without any human intervention.
• D. Both natural and artificial selection always result in decreased genetic variation.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of natural selection and artificial selection: Natural selection is a process where organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, driven by environmental pressures. Artificial selection, on the other hand, is a process where humans intentionally select and breed organisms with desired traits.
2. Analyze the statement 'Natural selection and artificial selection both require intentional breeding by humans': This is incorrect because natural selection occurs without human intervention, relying solely on environmental pressures.
3. Evaluate the statement 'Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures, while artificial selection is driven by human choices': This is correct because it highlights the key difference between the two processes—natural selection is influenced by nature, while artificial selection is influenced by human decisions.
4. Examine the statement 'Artificial selection occurs without any human intervention': This is incorrect because artificial selection explicitly involves human intervention to select and breed organisms with desired traits.
5. Consider the statement 'Both natural and artificial selection always result in decreased genetic variation': This is incorrect because while artificial selection often reduces genetic variation due to selective breeding, natural selection can maintain or even increase genetic variation depending on the environmental pressures and population dynamics.