Over a Span of Several Thousand Years, a Number of Species

Multiple Choice

Over a span of several thousand years, a number of species show adaptations to climate change: Drier, warmer conditions select for succulent vegetation and deep taproots in plants, burrowing in mammals and amphibians, and other similar adaptive changes. What could be predicted to happen if the climate shifts in the opposite direction and becomes progressively wetter and cooler?

A) Ongoing processes of adaptation will continue because evolution is goal directed.
B) Different adaptive trends will probably be favored in the new climatic environment.
C) Current adaptive trends will continue, but organisms will now also have to add on adaptations to deal with cool, wet conditions.
D) Adaptation will cease because cool, wet conditions are suitable for all life on Earth.