Which of the following lists correctly identifies the four postulates of natural selection as described by Darwin?

• A. Individuals do not vary; only environmental factors cause change; all traits are beneficial; populations always increase.
• B. Variation exists among individuals; some variation is heritable; more offspring are produced than can survive; individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more.
• C. All individuals are identical; traits are acquired during life; populations remain constant; environment does not affect survival.
• D. Variation is not heritable; all offspring survive; resources are unlimited; traits do not affect survival.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of natural selection as described by Charles Darwin. Natural selection is the process by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.
2. Step 2: Review the four postulates of natural selection. These are: (1) Variation exists among individuals in a population, (2) Some of this variation is heritable, (3) More offspring are produced than can survive, leading to competition for resources, and (4) Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
3. Step 3: Analyze each option provided in the problem. Compare the statements in each option to the four postulates of natural selection. Look for alignment with the concepts of variation, heritability, competition, and survival of the fittest.
4. Step 4: Eliminate options that contradict the postulates. For example, statements like 'Individuals do not vary' or 'Variation is not heritable' directly conflict with the first and second postulates. Similarly, 'All offspring survive' and 'Resources are unlimited' contradict the third postulate.
5. Step 5: Identify the option that correctly matches all four postulates of natural selection. Ensure that the chosen option reflects the principles of variation, heritability, competition, and differential survival and reproduction.