Which concept explains the increase of favorable genetic traits in a population?

Which concept explains the increase of favorable genetic traits in a population?

• A. Lamarck's principle
• B. Natural selection
• C. Adaptive radiation
• D. Genetic recombination

Answer: (B)

The concept that explains the increase of favorable genetic traits in a population is natural selection. This mechanism, proposed by Charles Darwin, describes how individuals within a species that possess traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common within the population because the individuals with those traits contribute more offspring to the next generation. Natural selection acts on existing variation within the population, and as environmental conditions change, different traits may become advantageous, further shaping the genetic makeup of the population. This continuous process enhances the overall adaptability of the species to its environment, leading to evolutionary changes. Other options each refer to different biological concepts. Lamarck's principle suggests that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring, which does not fully encompass the process of genetic inheritance as established by modern genetics. Adaptive radiation pertains to the diversification of a group of organisms into forms that fit different environments, while genetic recombination involves the mixing of genetic material during reproduction, but does not directly explain how traits increase in frequency within a population over generations.

The concept that explains the increase of favorable genetic traits in a population is natural selection. This mechanism, proposed by Charles Darwin, describes how individuals within a species that possess traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common within the population because the individuals with those traits contribute more offspring to the next generation.

Natural selection acts on existing variation within the population, and as environmental conditions change, different traits may become advantageous, further shaping the genetic makeup of the population. This continuous process enhances the overall adaptability of the species to its environment, leading to evolutionary changes.

Other options each refer to different biological concepts. Lamarck's principle suggests that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring, which does not fully encompass the process of genetic inheritance as established by modern genetics. Adaptive radiation pertains to the diversification of a group of organisms into forms that fit different environments, while genetic recombination involves the mixing of genetic material during reproduction, but does not directly explain how traits increase in frequency within a population over generations.