Biology Regents Practice Exam

Which process involves organisms adapting to their environment over time?

1. Natural selection

2. Photosynthesis

3. Cell division

4. Homeostasis

The correct answer is: Natural selection

Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully than those that are less well adapted. Over time, this leads to the gradual evolution of a species as advantageous traits become more common in the population. This adaptation can be in response to various environmental factors such as climate, food availability, and interactions with other organisms. In contrast, photosynthesis is a biochemical process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy, primarily using carbon dioxide and water, with oxygen as a byproduct. Cell division refers to the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells, a fundamental aspect of growth and reproduction but not directly related to long-term adaptation. Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism despite changes in the external environment; while important for survival, it is not a process that leads to adaptation over time in a population.