Which would least likely be a cause of natural selection?

Step 1: Define the Problem

Identify the key components of the question that need to be addressed: Determine which factor is least likely to cause natural selection.

Step 2: Break Down the Problem

Divide the problem into smaller, manageable parts:

• Understand what natural selection is.
• Identify common causes of natural selection.
• Determine which factor is least likely to contribute to natural selection.

Step 3: Apply Relevant Concepts

Use appropriate academic theories or formulas to solve each part of the problem:

• Natural selection is a process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
• Common causes include genetic variation, environmental changes, competition for resources, and differential reproduction.

Step 4: Analysis, Verify and Summarize

Analyze each part in detail if necessary:

• Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection.
• Environmental changes can create new selection pressures.
• Competition for resources can lead to differential survival and reproduction.
• Factors least likely to cause natural selection are those that do not affect survival or reproduction.

Final Answer

The factor least likely to be a cause of natural selection is one that does not influence an organism's ability to survive or reproduce, such as random genetic drift in a large population where selection pressures are minimal.