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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about evolutionary forces is accurate?
A
Genetic drift increases genetic variation within a population.
B
Mutation rates are constant across all species.
C
Gene flow always results in speciation.
D
Natural selection is the only force that leads to adaptation.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of evolutionary forces: Evolutionary forces are mechanisms that cause changes in allele frequencies within a population over time. The main forces include natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.
Evaluate the statement about genetic drift: Genetic drift is a random process that can lead to changes in allele frequencies in a population. It often reduces genetic variation within small populations due to random sampling effects.
Assess the statement about mutation rates: Mutation rates can vary significantly across different species and even within different environments. They are not constant across all species.
Consider the statement about gene flow: Gene flow involves the transfer of alleles or genes from one population to another. While it can introduce new genetic material, it does not always result in speciation, which is the formation of new and distinct species.
Analyze the statement about natural selection: Natural selection is a process where individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. It is the only evolutionary force that consistently leads to adaptation, as it increases the frequency of beneficial traits in a population.