Which of the following statements about natural selection is correct?

• A. Natural selection results in the differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype.
• B. Natural selection acts on populations by changing the genetic material of each individual directly.
• C. Natural selection always leads to the evolution of more complex organisms.
• D. Natural selection causes individuals to develop new traits during their lifetime in response to environmental changes.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of natural selection. Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where individuals with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully than others. This leads to the differential survival and reproduction of individuals based on their phenotypes.
2. Step 2: Evaluate the first statement: 'Natural selection results in the differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype.' This aligns with the definition of natural selection, as it emphasizes the role of phenotypic differences in survival and reproduction.
3. Step 3: Analyze the second statement: 'Natural selection acts on populations by changing the genetic material of each individual directly.' This is incorrect because natural selection does not directly alter an individual's genetic material. Instead, it acts on existing genetic variation within a population over generations.
4. Step 4: Examine the third statement: 'Natural selection always leads to the evolution of more complex organisms.' This is incorrect because natural selection does not inherently favor complexity; it favors traits that improve survival and reproduction in a given environment, which may or may not lead to increased complexity.
5. Step 5: Review the fourth statement: 'Natural selection causes individuals to develop new traits during their lifetime in response to environmental changes.' This is incorrect because natural selection does not cause individuals to develop new traits during their lifetime. Traits are inherited and arise from genetic variation, not from environmental changes experienced by individuals.