Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of natural selection?
A
Variation exists within populations.
B
Organisms tend to overproduce offspring.
C
Acquired characteristics are inherited by offspring.
D
Individuals best adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully.
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
Lamarck's theory proposed inheritance of acquired characteristics, which is incorrect. Natural selection is based on inherited traits that confer a survival advantage in a given environment, not traits acquired during an organism's lifetime.
💡 Why is C) the correct answer?
The correct answer to the question "Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of natural selection?" is Option C: Acquired characteristics are inherited by offspring..
The other options — A) Variation exists within populations., B) Organisms tend to overproduce offspring., D) Individuals best adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully. — are incorrect for this IB Exam Prep question. As explained above: Lamarck's theory proposed inheritance of acquired characteristics, which is incorrect. Natural selection is based on inherited traits that confer a survival advantage in a given environment, not trai…
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