How do environmental pressures shape human evolution?

Environmental pressures play a crucial role in shaping human evolution by driving adaptations that influence development and survival. When populations face varying conditions such as climate change, food availability, disease, and habitat alterations, individuals within those populations that possess traits better suited to those conditions are more likely to survive and reproduce. This process, known as natural selection, leads to the gradual shift in traits over generations.

For instance, in response to climate, humans have developed varying skin pigmentation, which is an adaptation to different levels of UV radiation. In areas with high UV exposure, darker skin protects against damage, while lighter skin in lower UV areas allows for better vitamin D synthesis. These adaptations illustrate how environmental pressures can lead to significant changes in human physiology and behavior over time.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the comprehensive influence of environmental pressures on human evolution. Some suggest that environmental factors have minimal impact or focus only on physical characteristics, which disregards the complexity of evolution, where behavioral and psychological adaptations also play significant roles.