Multiple Choice
What happens to physical and behavioral traits that support survival in a population over time according to the theory of natural selection?
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1. Introduction to Biology
Natural Selection and Evolution
Multiple Choice
Which of the following scenarios could potentially lead to the emergence of a second human species in the future?
A
Humans develop advanced technology that allows for instantaneous global communication.
B
Humans begin to consume a diet exclusively composed of genetically modified organisms.
C
A group of humans becomes isolated on a distant planet and evolves independently over thousands of generations.
D
A global pandemic reduces the human population significantly, but survivors remain genetically similar.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of speciation, which is the process by which populations evolve to become distinct species. This typically requires reproductive isolation and significant genetic divergence over many generations.
Consider the scenario where a group of humans becomes isolated on a distant planet. This isolation could prevent gene flow between the isolated group and the rest of humanity, a key factor in speciation.
Evaluate the role of environmental pressures and natural selection in the isolated environment. Different conditions on the distant planet could lead to adaptations that are significantly different from those on Earth.
Recognize that over thousands of generations, genetic mutations and natural selection could lead to significant genetic divergence, potentially resulting in a new species.
Compare this scenario with the others provided. Instantaneous global communication and a diet of genetically modified organisms do not inherently lead to reproductive isolation or significant genetic divergence, while a global pandemic might reduce population size but not necessarily lead to speciation if survivors remain genetically similar.
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