The sentence that best serves as evidence of the theme "one’s natural instincts can be extremely powerful" is:
"But in spite of this great love he bore John Thornton, which seemed to bespeak the soft civilizing influence, the strain of the primitive, which the Northland had aroused in him, remained alive and active."
This sentence highlights how, despite Buck's bond with John Thornton and the civilizing influence he represents, Buck's primal instincts and the powerful force of his natural heritage are still very much alive within him, illustrating the theme effectively.