Environmental factors can influence natural selection because they can increase or decrease a. the number of chromosomes in an individual. b. the number of chromosomes in a population. c. the amount of genetic variation in an individual. d. the amount of genetic variation in a population

D, environmental factors can influence natural selection by increasing or decreasing the amount of genetic variation in a population. Increasing genetic diversity usually occurs via mutation, whereas decreasing genetic diversity can occur when that particular allele reduces the chances of individuals with that trait to reproduce (e. g. the organism often dies before breeding).