How does Darwin's descent with modification idea explain complex structures?

Question

How does Darwin's descent with modification idea explain complex structures?

A. Mitosis enables unique features to develop in populations

B. Evolution decides which features are most beneficial.

C. Organisms change over their lifetime and pass on those complex structures to their offspring.

D. Organisms with mutations or features that build on prior adaptations have increased fitness.

Answer 1

D. Organisms with mutations or features that build on prior adaptations have increased fitness.

Darwin's idea of descent with modification proposes that species change over time through the accumulation of small, heritable changes known as mutations. Mutations that result in complex structures, such as the eye or the wings of a bird, can arise gradually over many generations through the process of natural selection. The features that are most beneficial for survival and reproduction in a particular environment are more likely to be passed on to the next generation, while less advantageous features are less likely to be passed on. Over time, these small changes can accumulate and lead to the development of complex structures, such as the intricate body plans of many organisms, including humans.

Answer 2

Between all of these I would choose D.

The reason for this is because Darwin's theory of descent with modification also known as evoulution by natural selection, explains how complex structures can arise in populations over time. According to this theory, organisms with mutations or features that increase their fitness or ability to survive and reproduce in their environment are more likely to pass on those traits to their offspring. Then over generations, these are the beneficial traits that can become more prevalent in the population and lead to the development of more complex structures.

As organisms face different challenges in their environment, they may develop new traits or modify existing ones to better adapt. These modifications can build on prior adaptations, leading to increasingly complex structures that are better suited to an organisms environment. For example, the evolution of feathers in birds likely started as small modifications to scales that provided some benefits, such as insulation or improved maneuverability. Over time with these modifications they were further refined and elaborated upon, eventually leading to the complex structor of feathers that we see in birds today.

Mitosis, or cell division, does not enable unique features to develop in populations. Evolution does not decide which features are most beneficial. Rather the environment selects which features are most advantageous. And while organisms can undergo developmental changes during their lifetime, these changes are not typically passed on to their offspring in a way that can lead to the development of complex structures over time.

Hope this helps!