Question

check all statements below that are true. all organisms must compete for survival. when organisms struggle to survive, they usually mutate to increase chances of reproduction. some organisms have phenotypes that make them better competitors than others in their environment. animals undergo natural selection, but plants and other organisms generally do not. natural selection continues to occur even today. phenotypes found in the most successful members of a species become the most prevalent after several generations. a decrease in food availability will increase the variation in a population. done

Explanation:

• All organisms must compete for survival: This is a fundamental concept in biology. Resources like food, water, and space are limited, so organisms must compete.
• Some organisms have phenotypes that make them better competitors than others in their environment: Phenotypes are the physical expressions of genes. Traits that enhance survival and reproduction (e.g., speed in a predator - prey context) give an advantage.
• Natural selection continues to occur even today: For example, bacteria evolving resistance to antibiotics is a modern - day example of natural selection.
• Phenotypes found in the most successful members of a species become the most prevalent after several generations: This is the essence of natural selection. Successful phenotypes (those that aid in survival and reproduction) are passed on more frequently.

• When organisms struggle to survive, they usually mutate to increase chances of reproduction: Mutations are random. Organisms do not "decide" to mutate. They occur spontaneously, and only beneficial mutations (by chance) are selected for.
• Animals undergo natural selection, but plants and other organisms generally do not: All living organisms (plants, fungi, bacteria, etc.) undergo natural selection as they all have to adapt to their environments for survival and reproduction.
• A decrease in food availability will increase the variation in a population: A decrease in food availability usually leads to more intense selection pressure. It may reduce the population size (bottleneck effect) and can decrease variation if only a few individuals survive, not increase it.

Answer:

• All organisms must compete for survival.
• Some organisms have phenotypes that make them better competitors than others in their environment.
• Natural selection continues to occur even today.
• Phenotypes found in the most successful members of a species become the most prevalent after several generations.