Species do not change in order to survive. The environment determines which organism survives to reproduce. These statements
Answer Details
The statements explain the idea of survival of the fittest, which is a key concept in the theory of evolution by natural selection. According to this theory, individuals within a population show natural variation in traits such as size, color, and behavior. In a given environment, certain traits may be more advantageous than others, allowing individuals with those traits to survive and reproduce more effectively. Over time, the frequency of these advantageous traits increases within the population, leading to the evolution of new species.
The statements also refute the idea of acquired characteristics, which was proposed by Jean Lamarck. Lamarck believed that organisms could acquire new traits during their lifetime, and that these traits could be passed on to their offspring. However, the theory of evolution by natural selection suggests that traits are inherited from parents and are subject to random variation through mutation and recombination.
Furthermore, the statements do not imply that organisms modify their environment in order to survive. Rather, they suggest that the environment acts as a selective pressure on organisms, determining which traits are most advantageous for survival and reproduction.
In summary, the statements support the idea of survival of the fittest, which is a key concept in the theory of evolution by natural selection. They also refute the idea of acquired characteristics, which was proposed by Jean Lamarck, and do not imply that organisms modify their environment in order to survive.