Natural selection is a process which allows populations to adapt and change to an environment. Which of the following statements about natural selection is least likely to be true?

Question

More individuals are produced than will survive.
Genetic variations can exist between individuals in a population.
The genes of an individual organism can adapt to a changing environment.
Individuals that are best adapted for their environment have the best chance of reproducing.

Answer 1

The genes of an individual organism can adapt to a changing environment.

This statement is least likely to be true because natural selection acts on individuals that are already adapted to their environment, rather than on the genes themselves. Genes do not adapt, but rather the individuals that possess certain advantageous genes are more likely to survive and reproduce.