Question

Which scenario represents a case of a saltation resulting in a "hopeful monster"?

A. A systemic mutation disrupts the genetic system of an organism so much that it results in a "monstrous" mutation. The individuals "hope" to encounter an environment where the change is beneficial.
B. A "monstrous" population evolves following a driven trend; they "hope" to arrive at a new, high-fitness phenotype before their population goes extinct.
C. After a long period of evolutionary stasis, a species undergoes relatively rapid morphological evolution. These "monsters" had "hoped" for a new adaptation to overcome a novel environmental challenge.
D. A small population that has been isolated from a widely distributed species has new mutations fixed rapidly by genetic drift. These "monsters" "hope" that they are not absorbed by the larger population.

Answer 1

The correct scenario representing a case of a saltation resulting in a 'hopeful monster' is when a species undergoes rapid morphological evolution to overcome a novel environmental challenge. Hence, C) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct scenario representing a case of a saltation resulting in a 'hopeful monster' is:

C. After a long period of evolutionary stasis, a species undergoes relatively rapid morphological evolution. These 'monsters' had 'hoped' for a new adaptation to overcome a novel environmental challenge.

In this scenario, the species experiences a sudden, rapid change in its phenotype that allows it to overcome a new environmental challenge. This scenario aligns with the concept of saltation, which is a sudden and significant genetic change that leads to the emergence of a new species or adaptation.