evolution.

Question

Which of the following is true with respect to the randomness associated with evolution through natural selection?

 

A. both the genetic mutation of a trait and the selection of that trait are entirely random
B. the mutation of a gene is random, but the selection of a favorable trait is not random
C. the mutation of a gene is not random, but the selection of a favorable trait is random
D. neither the mutation of a gene nor selection of a favorable trait are random

Answer 1

Hi Lauren,

 

Mutation of a trait is random, however, selection of a favorable trait comes under adaptive pressure. The trait that enables the organism to survive better, reproduce easily and has no apparent disadvantage in terms of survival,foraging and reproduction, is a trait favored by evolutionary forces and would propagate in the population. Based on these criteria, the choice B would be the accurate  one.

 

Hope this helps.