Question

In order for natural selection to occur within a population, certain conditions must be met. One such condition is?

1) phenotypic variations that are genetic.
2) heterozygosity must be very low.
3) phenotypic differences resulting from environmental conditions.
4) low rates of immigration.
5) frequent mutations that are inherited.

Answer 1

Natural selection can only occur if there is genetic variation among individuals in a population.

Step-by-step explanation:

Natural selection can only take place if there is variation, or differences, among individuals in a population. These differences must have some genetic basis to be a target of natural selection. Importantly, environmental factors can cause phenotypic differences, but only those differences encoded in an individual's genes can be passed on to the next generation.

Therefore, the correct condition for natural selection to occur within a population is 1) phenotypic variations that are genetic.