What role do environmental changes play in adaptation?

Environmental changes play a critical role in the process of adaptation by influencing the survival and reproductive success of different species. When the environment changes, those species that possess traits that allow them to cope with the new conditions may thrive, while those without such adaptive traits may struggle to survive. This dynamic sets the stage for natural selection, whereby beneficial traits that enhance fitness in the new environment become more prevalent in the population over generations.

The correct answer highlights that environmental changes can lead to the extinction of species that do not possess adaptive qualities suited to the new conditions. This extinction can be the result of increased competition, predation, or other factors that arise as environments shift. Concurrently, these changes create opportunities for adaptive traits to be selected and to flourish, as those traits confer survival advantages that would not be as beneficial under stable environmental conditions. Therefore, both processes occur concurrently: non-adaptive species may face decline or extinction, while species with advantageous adaptations may prosper and proliferate in the new environment.