Question

At what level(s) does natural selection operate according to the evolving synthesis (i.e. the current theory of evolution)?

1) Individual level
2) Population level
3) Species level
4) All of the above

Answer 1

Natural selection operates at multiple levels according to the evolving synthesis theory of evolution: individual, population, and species levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The current theory of evolution, known as the evolving synthesis, states that natural selection operates at multiple levels. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 4) All of the above. Natural selection acts at the individual level by selecting for individuals with greater contributions to the gene pool of the next generation.

It also acts at the population level by selecting for beneficial alleles and traits while decreasing the frequency of deleterious qualities. Additionally, natural selection can also operate at the species level through mechanisms like speciation.