Final answer:
Species likely to survive environmental shifts are those with high genetic variability, allowing for natural selection to favor adaptable traits. Species that cannot adapt may face extinction or be forced to migrate due to competition for resources. Climate change is an example of such an environmental shift that affects species distribution and survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
Populations of species that are most likely to survive when environmental conditions shift are those that have high genetic variability. This genetic diversity increases the likelihood of having individuals within the population that possess traits better suited to the new conditions. These individuals are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on their favorable genes to future generations. This process is known as natural selection.
However, not all populations are successful in adapting to environmental changes. Extinction is common for species that fail to adapt, which includes species that are very rare or have small ranges. Species that are able to adapt may face challenges such as competition for resources, where one species will outcompete another for food and nesting space, leading to migration or extinction of the less adapted species.
Environmental changes such as climate change are likely to impact populations by shifting the distribution of species and influencing their survival rates. Those better equipped to handle the new conditions or those that can move to more suitable habitats to meet their necessities are more likely to endure the ecological shifts.