In the context of natural selection, how does the chance of survival typically change for individuals with traits that are less well-adapted to their environment?

• A. It remains constant regardless of environmental changes.
• B. It declines rapidly as environmental pressures increase.
• C. It increases as less-adapted traits become more common.
• D. It is unaffected by the presence of better-adapted individuals.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of natural selection. Natural selection is a process where individuals with traits that are better adapted to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction, passing those traits to the next generation.
2. Step 2: Consider the role of environmental pressures. Environmental pressures, such as changes in climate, availability of resources, or presence of predators, can influence which traits are advantageous or disadvantageous in a given environment.
3. Step 3: Analyze the survival chances of individuals with less well-adapted traits. Traits that are less suited to the environment typically reduce an individual's ability to survive and reproduce, especially as environmental pressures increase.
4. Step 4: Compare the survival chances of less-adapted individuals to those with better-adapted traits. Individuals with better-adapted traits are more likely to outcompete those with less-adapted traits, further reducing the survival chances of the latter group.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the survival chances of individuals with less-adapted traits decline rapidly as environmental pressures increase, aligning with the principles of natural selection.