Final answer:
The factors that likely determine if a species is able to successfully adapt to a changing climate include reproductive rate, genetic diversity, habitat specialization, and dietary preferences. Genetic diversity plays a crucial role in providing a range of traits for adaptation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability of a species to successfully adapt to a changing climate can be influenced by several factors. Reproductive rate is crucial since species that reproduce quicker can potentially evolve and adapt faster to changing conditions. Genetic diversity provides a reservoir of traits that could be beneficial in new environmental conditions, thus increasing the chances of survival.
Habitat specialization can make a species vulnerable if their particular habitat is affected; those with broad tolerances are more adaptable. Finally, dietary preferences influence adaptability; a specialized diet can be a disadvantage if specific food sources are scarce, while a generalist diet can allow a species to thrive on a variety of foods available in changing conditions.
For example, in a rapidly changing climate, plant species that are drought-resistant would generally thrive in warmer temperatures. By contrast, asexual reproduction alone may leave a species at a significant disadvantage compared to those that can also reproduce sexually, as sexual reproduction can increase phenotypic diversity and adaptability.
In summary, a combination of these characteristics can determine the success of a species in a changing environment, among which genetic diversity seems particularly important, following the concept that Genus B with greater genetic diversity has a better chance to adapt and survive.