Question

in the african savanna, more wildebeests are born than the environment can support. which is most likely to happen over a period of years as a result? the chances for survival of the population are reduced. new food sources are discovered and become the regular diet. individuals that are well suited to the environment reproduce, and those that are not well suited die before they reproduce. the environment adapts by providing more resources to the growing population, increasing the chances of survival for individuals within the habitat.

Explanation:

This question relates to natural selection in biology. When a population (like wildebeests) has more individuals than the environment can support, there is competition for resources. Natural selection occurs where individuals with traits well - suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, while those less suited are more likely to die before reproducing.

• Option 1: Reducing the chances of survival of the whole population is not the main outcome of natural selection in this context. The population will undergo selection, not just a general reduction in survival chances.
• Option 2: Discovering new food sources and making them a regular diet is not a direct and likely outcome of over - population in the short - to - medium term. The environment's food resources are limited initially, and new food sources are not guaranteed to be discovered and adopted.
• Option 3: This is in line with the concept of natural selection. Well - adapted individuals reproduce, and poorly adapted ones die before reproducing, which is the process that occurs when there is over - population and resource competition.
• Option 4: The environment does not "adapt" to provide more resources for a growing population. The environment has a carrying capacity, and resources are limited. It is the population that adapts through natural selection, not the environment providing more resources.

Answer:

C. Individuals that are well suited to the environment reproduce, and those that are not well suited die before they reproduce.