Evolution Unveiled

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What is natural selection?

A process that drives evolution and helps explain the diversity of life on Earth (correct)

A process that creates new species through genetic variation

A process that happens randomly in the environment

A process that causes mutations in DNA

What are mutations?

Changes in the environment that cause harm to living organisms

Changes in the physical characteristics of living organisms

Changes in the behavior of living organisms over time

Changes in DNA that are an important source of genetic variation within a population (correct)

What happens when mutations occur in germ cells (eggs and sperm)?

They cause harmful changes in the offspring

They are eliminated from the population

They can only affect the individual with the mutation

They can be passed onto offspring (correct)

What is the relationship between natural selection and speciation?

<p>Natural selection can lead to speciation, where one species gives rise to a new and distinctly different species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are mutations and what is their role in genetic variation within a population?

<p>Mutations are changes in DNA that can be random or happen as a result of exposure to something in the environment. They are an important source of genetic variation within a population and can be harmful, neutral, or helpful, resulting in a new trait. When mutations occur in germ cells, they can be passed onto offspring.</p> Signup and view all the answers