For artificial selection to be a successful solution to coral bleaching and the long-term success of coral reefs, the following criteria must be met:
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The ability to survive changing temperatures must involve heritable traits. - This is essential because only traits that can be passed down to offspring will contribute to the long-term adaptation of the coral populations.
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The offspring of corals must be able to reproduce in nature. - For artificial selection to be successful, it is crucial that the selected corals are not only resilient but also able to produce viable offspring that can thrive in their natural environment.
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The artificial selection process must not harm healthy coral reefs. - It is important that any artificial selection efforts do not negatively impact existing healthy coral reefs or their ecological balance.
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Corals must have variation in their ability to survive changing temperatures. - Genetic diversity is necessary for artificial selection to work; without variation, there would be nothing to select for or against.
The statement "The trait being influenced in corals must be beneficial to humans." is not necessarily a criterion for the success of artificial selection concerning coral reefs. While human benefit can be a consideration, the primary focus should be on the ecological success and resilience of the coral populations themselves.
Therefore, the selections that should be marked as criteria for successful artificial selection are:
- The ability to survive changing temperatures must involve heritable traits.
- The offspring of corals must be able to reproduce in nature.
- The artificial selection process must not harm healthy coral reefs.
- Corals must have variation in their ability to survive changing temperatures.