[Campbell Biology P.79] What is the main conclusion supported by the "Case Study: Evolution... | Practice Question

What is the main conclusion supported by the "Case Study: Evolution of Tolerance to Toxic Elements"?

  • A: All plant species can adapt to grow in serpentine soils if given enough time.
  • B: Serpentine soils contain high concentrations of beneficial elements like iron.
  • C: Natural selection plays a crucial role in the development of adaptations to challenging environments.
  • D: The Tiburon Mariposa lily is a generalist species found in many different soil types.

Explanation

The case study details how certain plant species, despite the toxicity of serpentine soils, developed adaptations that allowed them to survive. The text explicitly attributes this to 'subsequent natural selection,' demonstrating its role in species evolution in challenging environments.