Environmental factors can influence natural selection because they can increase or decrease a. the number of chromosomes in an individual. b. the number of chromosomes in a population. c. the amount of genetic variation in an individual. d. the amount of genetic variation in a population

D, environmental factors can influence natural selection by increasing or decreasing the amount of genetic variation in a population. Increasing genetic diversity usually occurs via mutation, whereas decreasing genetic diversity can occur when that particular allele reduces the chances of individuals with that trait to reproduce (e.g. the organism often dies before breeding). 

Environmental factors can influence natural selection because they can increase or decrease the amount of genetic variation in a population.

Further Explanation:

Natural selection, according to ecology, refers to the mechanism of evolution. In this organisms which are more adapted to their surroundings are known to be more likely to thrive or survive and also pass their genes onto the next generation. This causes the species to alter as well as diverge over the period of time.

The natural selection requires genetic variation in a population. The different alleles can be favored due to the changing in the environment constantly. The variation in a population can be in increased due to the availability of food and habitat.

In a population, the difference between the DNA sequences of an individual leads to genetic variation. Mostly in germ cell and somatic cell variation occurs due to crossing over. The variation present mostly in germ cell that is egg or sperm can be inherited to the second generation. It can affect the evolution and dynamic of a population.

Learn more:

Learn more about an abiotic factor of an ecosystem Learn more about primary and secondary succession Learn more about the product of photosynthesis

Answer Details:

Grade: High School

Subject: Biology

Chapter: Ecology

Keywords:

Natural selection, environment, DNA sequence, second generation, individual, germ cell, somatic cell, population, sperm, evolution, crossing over, habitat.

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