University of Central Florida (UCF) ANT2511 The Human Species Practice Exam 1

The process of differential survival and reproduction, often associated with natural selection, leads to the formation of new adaptations and ultimately can result in the emergence of new species over many generations. When certain traits confer advantages to individuals in a particular environment, those individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to their offspring. Over time, as these advantageous traits accumulate within a population, the population may undergo significant changes, leading to the development of adaptations that enhance survival and reproduction in their specific environments.

As these adaptations become more pronounced, populations may diverge from their ancestral forms, and if the changes become sufficiently pronounced, this can lead to speciation—where populations evolve into distinct species. Thus, the correct answer reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of organisms in response to their environments.