Question

1. what does selection pressure refer to in an ecological context?

a. the competition for mates
b. the rate of mutation in a species
c. environmental factors that influence the success of individuals
d. the genetic makeup of a population

1. observable adaptations in organisms are primarily a result of which process?

a. genetic drift
b. migration
c. mutation
d. natural selection

1. what does the term diversity of life refer to?

a. the extinction of species
b. the variety of species and ecosystems on earth
c. the genetic similarity among species
d. the number of individuals in a population

Explanation:

• For question 10: Selection pressure in an ecological context refers to environmental factors that influence the survival and reproductive success of individuals. For example, predation, availability of food and water are such factors.
• For question 11: Observable adaptations in organisms are mainly a result of natural selection. Natural selection acts on the variation within a population, favoring traits that increase an organism's fitness in its environment.
• For question 12: The diversity of life refers to the variety of species and ecosystems on Earth, encompassing different forms of life from microorganisms to large - sized plants and animals and the different habitats they inhabit.

Answer:

1. C. Environmental factors that influence the success of individuals
2. D. Natural selection
3. B. The variety of species and ecosystems on Earth