Multiple Choice
Which of the following processes could lead to different populations of the same species evolving distinct traits when living in different environments?
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1. Introduction to Biology
Natural Selection and Evolution
Multiple Choice
From an evolutionary perspective, which of the following best explains why certain traits become more common in a population over time?
A
All traits in a population are equally likely to be inherited, regardless of their effect on survival.
B
Organisms develop new traits during their lifetime and pass them directly to their offspring.
C
Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.
D
Traits become more common due to random chance alone, without any influence from the environment.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of natural selection, which is a key mechanism of evolution. Natural selection explains how certain traits become more common in a population over time based on their impact on survival and reproduction.
Step 2: Recognize that traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage are more likely to be passed on to the next generation. This is because individuals with these advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Step 3: Contrast this with the idea that all traits are equally likely to be inherited, regardless of their effect on survival. This statement is incorrect because inheritance is influenced by the success of individuals in passing on their genes.
Step 4: Address the misconception that organisms develop new traits during their lifetime and pass them directly to their offspring. Traits are inherited through genetic material, not acquired during an organism's lifetime.
Step 5: Finally, clarify that while random chance (genetic drift) can influence the frequency of traits in small populations, the environment and survival advantages play a significant role in shaping the prevalence of traits in larger populations.
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