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Multiple Choice
In Darwin's view of descent with modification, __________.
A
organisms are perfectly adapted to their environments and do not change
B
species change over time as individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce
C
evolution occurs only through sudden, large-scale mutations
D
all individuals in a population acquire new traits during their lifetime and pass them on
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of 'descent with modification': This is a key principle of Darwin's theory of evolution, which states that species change over time due to the accumulation of heritable traits that enhance survival and reproduction.
Eliminate incorrect options: Review each provided statement and compare it to the principles of Darwin's theory. For example, the idea that 'organisms are perfectly adapted and do not change' contradicts the concept of evolution, as species are constantly adapting to changing environments.
Analyze the role of advantageous traits: Darwin emphasized that individuals with traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage are more likely to pass those traits to the next generation, leading to gradual changes in the population over time.
Address the misconception about mutations: While mutations can contribute to evolution, Darwin's theory primarily focuses on natural selection acting on existing variation within a population, rather than sudden, large-scale mutations.
Clarify the misunderstanding about acquired traits: Traits acquired during an individual's lifetime (e.g., muscle growth from exercise) are not heritable and cannot be passed to offspring. Darwin's theory relies on genetic inheritance of traits that are already present in the population.