Question

in the african savanna, more wildebeests are born than the environment can support. which is most likely to happen over a period of years as a result?
the chances for survival of the population are reduced.
new food sources are discovered and become the regular diet.
individuals that are well suited to the environment reproduce, and those that are not well suited die before they reproduce.
the environment adapts by providing more resources to the growing population, increasing the chances of survival for individuals within the habitat.

Explanation:

This question relates to natural selection in biology. When a population (wildebeests) exceeds the environment's carrying capacity (more born than can be supported), the principle of natural selection applies: individuals with traits suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, while those less suited die before reproducing.

• Option 1: If more are born than can be supported, survival chances reduce, but this is a result, not the key process.
• Option 2: New food sources aren’t guaranteed to be discovered.
• Option 3: Matches natural selection—well - suited individuals reproduce, less - suited die early.
• Option 4: The environment doesn’t “adapt” to provide more resources; it has a carrying capacity.

Answer:

The option "Individuals that are well suited to the environment reproduce, and those that are not well suited die before they reproduce." (the third option in the list)