Which of the following best describes how limited resources can lead to differential reproductive success in a population?

• A. Resource limitation leads to the extinction of the entire population without affecting reproductive success.
• B. Individuals with traits better suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce when resources are scarce.
• C. All individuals in a population have an equal chance of surviving and reproducing regardless of resource availability.
• D. Limited resources cause all individuals to stop reproducing until resources increase.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of limited resources: In any population, resources such as food, water, and shelter are finite. When resources are limited, not all individuals can survive and reproduce equally.
2. Recall the principle of natural selection: Individuals with traits that provide an advantage in acquiring resources or surviving in the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This is known as 'differential reproductive success.'
3. Eliminate incorrect options: For example, the statement 'Resource limitation leads to the extinction of the entire population without affecting reproductive success' is incorrect because populations often adapt rather than face total extinction.
4. Focus on the correct explanation: The correct answer highlights that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce when resources are scarce. This aligns with the concept of 'survival of the fittest.'
5. Conclude by connecting the concept to evolution: Over time, the traits that provide a survival advantage become more common in the population, leading to evolutionary changes driven by natural selection.