Natural selection causes changes in(1 point)

Responses

genotypes.
genotypes.

individuals.
individuals.

populations.
populations.

phenotypes

populations.

The correct answer is populations. Natural selection acts on populations and causes changes in the frequencies of different traits and genotypes within the population over time. It can lead to the evolution of new variations within a species.

To understand why populations is the correct answer, we need to understand what natural selection is and how it works. Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution and is the process by which certain traits become more or less common within a population over successive generations. It occurs because individuals with certain advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to their offspring. On the other hand, individuals with less advantageous traits are less likely to survive and reproduce, leading to a decrease in their frequency within the population.

While natural selection acts on individuals, it is the impact on populations that ultimately drives evolutionary change. The variations in genotypes (the genetic makeup of individuals) within a population are what provide the raw material for natural selection to work on. Some variations may be more advantageous than others in a given environment, allowing individuals with those variations to have higher reproductive success. Over time, these advantageous variations increase in frequency within the population while less advantageous or detrimental variations decrease.

As a result of natural selection, populations can evolve and adapt to changing environments. The changes in genotypes within a population lead to changes in the observable traits or phenotypes of individuals. However, the primary focus of natural selection is on the genetic basis of these traits, rather than the physical appearance alone.

Therefore, while natural selection does cause changes in phenotypes (the observable characteristics of individuals), it is the changes in the frequency of genotypes within populations that are the most important outcome of natural selection.

populations.