Question

multiple choice 10 points
how can an environmental change cause a shift in the traits of a population?
an environmental change can make some organisms better suited for survival than others.
an environmental change can cause organisms to choose traits that are more favorable.
an environmental change can make organisms that are less suited for survival reproduce more rapidly.
an environmental change can cause some organisms to change their behaviors and quit reproducing.

Explanation:

In an environmental change, organisms with traits better suited for survival (due to natural selection) will have a higher chance of passing on their genes. This leads to a shift in the traits of the population over time. The other options are incorrect: organisms don't "choose" traits (as in the third option - evolution is not a conscious choice), organisms less suited for survival would reproduce less (contradicting the second option), and while some organisms might change behaviors, the key shift in population traits is due to differential survival and reproduction of those better - suited (not just behavior change as in the first option).

Answer:

An environmental change can make some organisms better suited for survival than others.