Which of the following best describes overexploitation in the context of natural selection and evolution?

• A. The gradual adaptation of a species to its environment through natural selection.
• B. The random loss of genetic variation in a small population.
• C. Harvesting a species at a rate faster than it can reproduce, leading to population decline.
• D. Introducing a non-native species into a new environment.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'overexploitation' in the context of biology. Overexploitation refers to the excessive use or harvesting of a species at a rate that exceeds its ability to reproduce and sustain its population.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. The goal is to identify which option aligns with the definition of overexploitation.
3. Step 3: Eliminate options that do not match the definition. For example, 'The gradual adaptation of a species to its environment through natural selection' describes evolution, not overexploitation. Similarly, 'The random loss of genetic variation in a small population' refers to genetic drift, and 'Introducing a non-native species into a new environment' describes invasive species introduction.
4. Step 4: Focus on the option that describes 'Harvesting a species at a rate faster than it can reproduce, leading to population decline.' This matches the definition of overexploitation as it directly addresses the unsustainable use of a species.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of overexploitation is the unsustainable harvesting of a species, which can lead to population decline and potentially extinction if not managed properly.