Which of the following is not a component of the theory of evolution by natural selection? a. competition for food and space b. variation among species c. inheritance of acquired characteristics d. survival and reproduction

c. inheritance of acquired characteristics.

Explanation:

The inheritance of acquired characteristics is a part of Lamarck's theory of evolution. He states that organisms can pass through their genes characteristics that they have acquired in their lifetime to their offspring.

For example, if a giraffe is born with a short neck, and it lenghtens after years of trying to reach the higher leaves of a tree, Lamarck stated that its calves (its babies) would be born with a long neck.

Darwin, publisher of the first Natural Selection theory, said that, by a slight random mutation of the genes, the giraffe with the longer neck would already be born with the long neck. It would be more successful when finding leaves to eat, and therefore produce more offspring with its DNA than the ones with a short neck. As a result, the number of long necked giraffes would grow, and eventually the short necked ones would go extinct.

Inheritance of acquired characteristics ( C )  is not a component of the Theory of Evolution by Natural selection

Evolution by Natural selection involves competition for food and habitat within an ecosystem, the variation seen among species are existent due the factors of natural selection which makes some species become more adaptive to the ecosystem than others.

The ability to reproduce and survive within an ecosystem is a major factor determined the natural selection as well. While inheritance of acquired characteristics is part of Lamarck's theory of evolution which states that parents can pass on acquired characteristics to offspring and this disputes the theory of evolution by Natural selection.

Hence we can conclude that Inheritance of acquired characteristics is not a component of the Theory of Evolution by Natural selection.

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