Which of the following would most likely happen if the epithelial cells in the stomach failed to produce mucus?
a. food leaving the stomach would only be partially digested.
b. gastric juice would digest the stomach lining, resulting in ulcers.
c. stomach ph would increase, resulting in acid reflux disease.
d. the cells would break down more slowly in order to protect the stomach.

B Gastric juice would digest the stomach lining, resulting in ulcers.

Explanation:

Stomach is the food storage and digestive organ of the body. The innermost layer of the stomach is covered by epithelial cells of the mucous membrane which releases mucous. Also there are small pits present inside the stomach which release gastric juices and hydrochloric acid for digestion of food. These juices and acids can digest the stomach wall and may cause ulcer if the protective mucous membrane does not secrete mucus.

in 1859, charles darwin set out his theory of evolution by natural selection as an explanation for adaptation and speciation. he defined natural selection as the "principle by which each slight variation [of a trait], if useful, is preserved".