49. Which of the following is a premise of Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection?
Answer: C
Favorable inherited traits increase the likelihood of survival and reproduction.
Darwin's theory of natural selection posits that individuals with advantageous inherited traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, thereby passing those traits to future generations.
A) Organisms acquire traits upon need.
This option is incorrect because it suggests that organisms can develop traits in response to their needs, a concept associated with Lamarckism rather than Darwin's natural selection. Darwin's theory emphasizes the role of inherited traits rather than the acquisition of new traits based on environmental demands.
B) Traits acquired during an organism's lifetime are passed to offspring.
This statement is also incorrect as it reflects the Lamarckian idea of inheritance of acquired characteristics. Darwin's theory asserts that only genetically inherited traits can be passed down to offspring, not those developed during an organism's life.
C) Favorable inherited traits increase the likelihood of survival and reproduction.
This option accurately reflects a key premise of Darwin's theory of natural selection. It highlights the importance of heritable traits that enhance an organism's fitness, thus ensuring greater survival and reproductive success.
D) Competition leads to a greater number of individuals in a population.
This statement is misleading as it implies that competition results in population growth, whereas Darwin's theory suggests that competition for resources leads to the survival of the fittest. In fact, competition often reduces the number of individuals who survive, as only those best suited to the environment will thrive and reproduce.
Conclusion
The premise of favorable inherited traits increasing survival and reproduction is central to Darwin's theory of natural selection, making option C the correct answer. Options A and B misrepresent fundamental concepts of inheritance, while option D misunderstands the role of competition in natural selection. Thus, only option C aligns with the core principles of Darwin's theory.