Questions: 14) Which of the following is true of natural selection? A) It requires genetic variation. B) It involves differential reproductive success. C) It requires genetic variation, results in descent with modification, and involves differential reproductive success. D) It results in descent with modification.

The answer is C: It requires genetic variation, results in descent with modification, and involves differential reproductive success.

Explanation for each option:

A) It requires genetic variation.

• This statement is true. Natural selection acts on existing genetic variation within a population. Without genetic variation, there would be no differences for natural selection to act upon.

B) It involves differential reproductive success.

• This statement is also true. Natural selection leads to differential reproductive success, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.

C) It requires genetic variation, results in descent with modification, and involves differential reproductive success.

• This statement is true and comprehensive. It encompasses all the key aspects of natural selection: the necessity of genetic variation, the process of descent with modification (where traits are passed down and modified over generations), and differential reproductive success.

D) It results in descent with modification.

• This statement is true but incomplete. While natural selection does result in descent with modification, it does not mention the requirement of genetic variation or differential reproductive success, which are also essential components of natural selection.

In summary, option C is the most complete and accurate description of natural selection.