Living Environment Regents Practice Test

What adaptation might lead to increased survival rates within a species over time?

1. Ignorance of environmental changes

2. Ability to produce more offspring

3. Development of larger populations

4. Inheriting favorable traits

The correct answer is: Inheriting favorable traits

The adaptation that might lead to increased survival rates within a species over time is the inheritance of favorable traits. This concept is a fundamental principle of evolution, particularly as described by natural selection. When individuals within a species possess traits that give them an advantage in their environment—such as better camouflage, faster speed, or increased resistance to diseases—they are more likely to survive and reproduce. As these advantageous traits are passed on to the next generation, the overall characteristics of the species may shift positively, leading to improved survival rates over time. The ability to produce more offspring, while beneficial, does not inherently ensure that those offspring will survive or possess advantageous traits. Similarly, the development of larger populations does not guarantee increased survival, as larger groups can also face competition for resources, disease spread, and environmental changes. Ignorance of environmental changes can lead to decreased survival rates, as organisms that cannot adapt to new conditions may struggle or perish. Therefore, inheriting favorable traits specifically addresses the mechanism by which successful adaptations are achieved over generations.