Question

what does the term diversity of life refer to?
a. the extinction of species
b. the number of individuals in a population
c. the variety of species and ecosystems on earth
d. the genetic similarity among species

what is the process by which organisms gradually change over time?
a. evolution
b. adaptation
c. natural selection
d. inheritance

how does natural selection influence the traits of a population?
a. it eliminates all genetic variation
b. it randomly changes traits over generations
c. it ensures all individuals survive equally
d. it favors individuals with advantageous traits for their environment

Explanation:

First Question:

To determine the meaning of "diversity of life", we analyze each option:

• Option a: Extinction of species is the opposite of promoting diversity, so incorrect.
• Option b: Number of individuals in a population refers to population size, not diversity of life, incorrect.
• Option c: "Diversity of life" (biodiversity) includes the variety of species and ecosystems on Earth, which matches the definition.
• Option d: Genetic similarity would imply less diversity, so incorrect.

To find the process of organisms changing over time:

• Option a: Evolution is the process of gradual change in organisms over generations, which fits.
• Option b: Adaptation is a result of evolution, not the process of change over time, incorrect.
• Option c: Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution, not the overall process of change, incorrect.
• Option d: Inheritance is the passing of traits, not the process of change over time, incorrect.

To understand natural selection's influence on population traits:

• Option a: Natural selection does not eliminate all genetic variation (variation is needed for selection), incorrect.
• Option b: Natural selection is not random; it favors beneficial traits, incorrect.
• Option c: Natural selection leads to differential survival (not all survive equally), incorrect.
• Option d: Natural selection favors individuals with traits that help them survive and reproduce in their environment, which is correct.

Answer:

c. The variety of species and ecosystems on Earth

Second Question: