Which of the following statements is true of natural selection?

• A. Natural selection changes allele frequencies by creating new mutations in response to environmental challenges.
• B. Natural selection always produces perfectly adapted organisms.
• C. Natural selection gives organisms the traits they need because they want or need them.
• D. Natural selection acts on heritable variation and results in differential reproductive success among individuals.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that natural selection is a process that acts on existing heritable variation within a population, meaning it works on traits already present in the gene pool.
2. Recognize that natural selection does not create new mutations; mutations arise randomly and independently of environmental needs.
3. Know that natural selection does not guarantee perfectly adapted organisms, but rather favors individuals with traits that provide a reproductive advantage in a given environment.
4. Realize that organisms do not acquire traits because they want or need them; instead, traits that increase reproductive success become more common over generations.
5. Conclude that the true statement is: natural selection acts on heritable variation and results in differential reproductive success among individuals, leading to changes in allele frequencies over time.