Question

which of the following best describes a result of a moderate environmental change in an ecosystem? choose 1 answer: a selective pressures on species in the ecosystem will increase, leading to large - scale extinctions. b selective pressures on species in the ecosystem will change, affecting which traits provide a reproductive advantage in the new environment. c selective pressures on species in the ecosystem will not change, and species will quickly adapt to the new environmental conditions.

Explanation:

• Option A: Moderate environmental change is unlikely to cause large - scale extinctions. Large - scale extinctions are more associated with extreme environmental changes (like major climate shifts or asteroid impacts). So this option is incorrect.
• Option B: When there is a moderate environmental change, the selective pressures (factors that influence the survival and reproduction of organisms) on species in the ecosystem will change. Different traits will now be more favorable for reproduction in the new environment. For example, if an ecosystem becomes slightly drier, plants with traits that help them conserve water will have a reproductive advantage. This option correctly describes the effect of moderate environmental change.
• Option C: Environmental change, even moderate, will change the selective pressures. Also, species do not "quickly adapt" in the sense of immediate adaptation; adaptation occurs over generations through natural selection. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Selective pressures on species in the ecosystem will change, affecting which traits provide a reproductive advantage in the new environment.