Question

question 20 of 25
a species of fern can grow in a range of light conditions, and most individuals
in a population thrive in low light. suppose ferns that thrive in medium light
become more common over time in the population.
which two sentences must be true for this adaptation to occur through
natural selection?
a. new ferns that could thrive in medium light grew from spores that
came from a different population of ferns.
b. the amount of light the population receives increased, and ferns
that thrive in medium light had an advantage.
c. ferns can pass on the ability to thrive under certain light
conditions to their offspring.
d. the temperature decreased so ferns that thrive in medium light
stayed warmer.
submit

Explanation:

For natural selection to occur, there must be a change in the environment (like increased light in option B giving an advantage to medium - light - thriving ferns) and the trait (ability to thrive in medium light) must be heritable (as in option C). Option A is about immigration (not natural selection within the population), and option D is about temperature (not related to the light - based adaptation described).

Answer:

B. The amount of light the population receives increased, and ferns that thrive in medium light had an advantage.
C. Ferns can pass on the ability to thrive under certain light conditions to their offspring.