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 change, affecting which traits are advantageous in the new environment. b selective pressures on species in the ecosystem will intensify, leading to mass extinctions. 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 alters selective pressures, as traits advantageous before may not be so now. This aligns with how ecosystems respond to moderate changes (e.g., climate shift affecting resource availability, so traits for resource use change in advantage).
• Option B: Mass extinctions are caused by severe, rapid environmental changes (like asteroid impacts), not moderate ones. Moderate changes don’t typically lead to mass extinctions.
• Option C: Environmental change (even moderate) does change selective pressures. Species adapt over time, not "quickly" without pressure changes, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Selective pressures on species in the ecosystem will change, affecting which traits are advantageous in the new environment.