Question 1:
Which type of genetic variation plays a crucial role in driving evolutionary changes within populations?
Explanation: Germline mutations, which occur in the reproductive cells, play a crucial role in driving evolutionary changes within populations. These mutations can introduce new genetic variants that can be inherited and subject to natural selection.
Question 2:
What is the primary source of genetic variation upon which natural selection acts?
Explanation: Mutation is the primary source of genetic variation upon which natural selection acts. Mutations can introduce new alleles into a population, leading to genetic diversity and potential adaptations to changing environments.
Question 3:
Which evolutionary force favors the survival and reproduction of individuals with certain heritable traits over others?
Explanation: Natural selection favors the survival and reproduction of individuals with certain heritable traits over others. It acts on the variation generated by mutation, leading to the accumulation of beneficial traits that increase an organism's fitness in its environment.
Question 4:
Which term describes the process by which advantageous genetic variants increase in frequency within a population over generations?
Explanation: Natural selection is the process by which advantageous genetic variants increase in frequency within a population over generations. The differential survival and reproduction of individuals with beneficial traits lead to their increased representation in future generations.
Question 5:
What is the term for the process through which new species arise from existing ones?
Explanation: Speciation is the term for the process through which new species arise from existing ones. It involves the accumulation of genetic differences over time, leading to reproductive isolation and the formation of distinct species.