Question

natural selection of favorable adaptations in organisms often results in
a. the evolution of a species
b. an increase in genetic mutations
c. the inheritance of acquired traits
d. the elimination of favorable traits

Explanation:

Natural selection is a key mechanism in evolution. When favorable adaptations are selected (organisms with these traits are more likely to survive and reproduce), over time, this leads to changes in the characteristics of a population. These cumulative changes result in the evolution of a species.

• Option B: Natural selection acts on existing variations (which can include genetic mutations, but it doesn't cause an increase in genetic mutations. Mutations are random events).
• Option C: The inheritance of acquired traits is not supported by modern evolutionary theory (Lamarck's idea of inheritance of acquired traits has been disproven in the context of how evolution works via natural selection).
• Option D: Natural selection favors favorable traits, not eliminates them.

Answer:

A. the evolution of a species