Question

Which of the following is/are important for Darwin's idea of natural selection?

1) individuals vary in their traits
2) natural resources are limited
3) some individual variation is heritable
4) All are important

Answer 1

All options listed are crucial for Darwin's theory of natural selection, which involves trait variation, competition for limited resources, and heritability of advantageous traits leading to species adapting to environmental challenges. The option 4 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

All components listed are important for Darwin's idea of natural selection. It operates based on the following principles:

• Variation of traits among individuals within a species: Individuals must have different traits, which results in some organisms having advantages over others in the struggle for resources.
• Competition for limited resources: Since there are always more offspring produced than can survive, organisms compete for resources crucial to survival and reproduction.
• Some individual variation is heritable: Traits that provide survival advantages are more likely to be passed on to the next generation because those with such traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Darwin's insight was that, over time, this process would lead to populations adapting to their environments, and potentially, new species arising when enough changes accumulate.