Question

How does Gregor Mendel's research extend Darwin's original theory of evolution?

a. It adds current understanding of genetics and genetic mutations.
b. It excludes the idea that all organisms originated from a common ancestor.
c. It adds the idea of natural selection and survival of the fittest.
d. It no longer believes that the earth is very old and has changed gradually over time.

Answer 1

Mendel's research on inheritance in pea plants filled a crucial gap in Darwin's theory of evolution, explaining how traits are passed genetically through generations, which, combined with the concept of natural selection, led to the modern synthesis of evolutionary biology.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gregor Mendel's research extends Charles Darwin's original theory of evolution by providing a genetic framework that explains how heritable traits are transmitted through generations. While Darwin's theory of evolution introduced the concept of natural selection, he was unaware of how genetic traits were passed on, leaving a gap in the understanding of evolutionary processes. Mendel's discovery of inheritance patterns and the behavior of alleles during reproduction filled this gap, forming the foundation of modern genetics.

By demonstrating that traits are inherited in specific patterns and not through blending, Mendel's work allowed for the integration of genetics with evolutionary biology, culminating in the modern synthesis. This synthesis connects microevolution and macroevolution with genetic mechanisms, demonstrating that evolution can occur through the selection of certain alleles that increase the probability of survival and reproduction.