Explain how natural selection might have played a role in the evolution of species tolerant of serpentine soils. (Review Concept 1.2).

Evolution is responsible for the sustenance of organisms on the earth. There are some features present in an organism that tend to be transferred to the descendants from the ancestors.

Serpentine soil is produced from ultramafic rocks rich in heavy elements but poor in essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, etc. These soils also have low moisture content.

Plants need water and essential elements for their growth and survival. Thus, an average plant does not develop appropriately in the serpentine soil due to the non-availability of essential elements and low moisture.

The variant plants that have strong roots to uptake nutrients and water in the serpentine soil can survive here. These plants have also developed special features to adapt to the higher level of elements present in the serpentine soil.

The variant species is selected due to natural selection, which allows maintaining its population. The serpentine tolerant properties are transferred to its descendants, and gradually, serpentine-adapted plant species have evolved.