What can be inferred about species adaptation over time?

The concept of differential survival leading to new adaptations is rooted in the principles of natural selection, a key mechanism of evolution. Over time, certain traits that provide advantages in a specific environment become more common within a population because individuals with those traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. This process means that advantageous characteristics are selected for, while less favorable traits may diminish in frequency or disappear altogether.

The idea emphasizes how species adapt by developing traits that enhance their ability to survive in changing environments, thus allowing them to thrive through generations. This gradual accumulation of adaptive traits contributes to the overall evolution of species. Therefore, the assertion that differential survival leads to new adaptations is confirmed by numerous scientific observations and studies in evolutionary biology.

In contrast to this, the other options either misunderstand the nature of adaptations or misinterpret ecological dynamics. Adaptation is not a random process, as successful traits are determined by their effectiveness in a given environment. Additionally, while some traits can be lost, the idea that adaptive traits are systematically lost over generations contradicts the fundamental understanding of evolution, which shows that beneficial traits tend to be preserved. Lastly, extinction is a tangible outcome in evolutionary processes, influenced by many factors, making it incorrect to claim that it is unlikely in the context of species