The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
An ecosystem comprises biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components that interact continuously. These interactions create evolutionary pressures, driving the adaptation and natural selection of species.
Statement 1 is Correct:
Abiotic factors such as temperature, water availability, sunlight, and soil composition directly influence the survival of organisms. Biotic components (plants and animals) evolve specific morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations to thrive under these specific abiotic conditions.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
Abiotic factors are not static; they change over various time scales. These changes can be short-term (e.g., seasonal variations, day-night cycles) or long-term (e.g., climate change, geological shifts). The dynamic nature of the environment is a primary driver of evolution.
Statement 3 is Correct:
This statement describes the principle of natural selection. When abiotic factors change, organisms must possess or develop adaptations to cope with the new environment. Organisms that cannot adapt to these changes fail to survive and reproduce, leading to their elimination or extinction.
Key Takeaway:
Abiotic factors are dynamic environmental determinants that drive the evolution of biotic components by selecting for organisms capable of adapting to change.