Final answer:
New dog breeds are created through artificial selection, where humans selectively breed dogs with certain traits. This process has led to the diversity of dog breeds, but can also result in health issues due to reduced genetic diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process by which new dog breeds come into existence is best explained by statement c. Humans develop mating programs that select for certain traits. This is known as artificial selection, where humans breed dogs with preferred characteristics to produce offspring with those traits. Over time, repeated selection for specific traits results in the creation of new dog breeds. This process differs from natural selection, where environmental pressures lead to certain traits becoming more common without human intervention.
Artificial selection in dogs has led to the variety of breeds we see today, descended from common ancestors such as wolves. Through careful selection for traits like size, temperament, and abilities like hunting or guarding, humans have significantly influenced the genetic makeup of domestic dogs. This involves choosing which dogs to breed together based on the traits that breeders wish to propagate.
While this selective breeding process has led to the diverse breeds known today, it can also cause health problems when the gene pool becomes too narrow, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity.