According to the theory of evolution, which of the following processes leads to adaptive changes in the genetic makeup of a species over time?
A. Genetic differences among
individuals in a population make
some individuals more likely to
survive and reproduce than others.
B. Physical changes in individuals
that are caused by environmental
conditions are passed on to their
offspring through their genes.
C. Environmental changes produce
mutations in the genes of individuals
that help their offspring
survive and reproduce.
D. Populations of individuals with
relatively low mutation rates eventually
replace populations that have
unstable genetic material.
What’s the best way to understand this theory and Natural selection as well? aren’t there 5 parts to natural selection? Do you have a website link that best explains all this? b/c not only would I like to understand this question, but others like it
The best answer is A.
Natural selection is very simple. Those organisms with the best genes for the organisms’ survival in its environment are more likely to be passed on to fertile offspring. Changes in the genes of the germ cell line are passed on to the next generation, and if the genetic changes make offspring more fertile in their environment, the frequency of the gene will rise in the population.
Note that changes in the environment may favor new genes to cope with the changes. Also, keep in mind that the genetic changes are random, but the selection process is not.
This is survival of the fittest, where fitness only means producing fertile offspring.
January 19th, 2010 at 2:24 am
The best answer is A.
Natural selection is very simple. Those organisms with the best genes for the organisms’ survival in its environment are more likely to be passed on to fertile offspring. Changes in the genes of the germ cell line are passed on to the next generation, and if the genetic changes make offspring more fertile in their environment, the frequency of the gene will rise in the population.
Note that changes in the environment may favor new genes to cope with the changes. Also, keep in mind that the genetic changes are random, but the selection process is not.
This is survival of the fittest, where fitness only means producing fertile offspring.
References :
I am a biologist.
January 19th, 2010 at 2:41 am
A
B is Lamarckian evolution, assuming that an acquired characteristic can be inherited
C is also Lamarckian, it puts the environment first, rather than the variation interacting with the environment.
Not sure how you’d describe D, but mutation can be beneficial, it more about the availability of ways of life.
Try the following for an introduction to evolution
References :
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/