Question

One way to understand evolution is as ________

a. a change in gene frequencies within an organism that occurs over the organism's lifespan.
b. a change in learned behaviors that are taught from generation to generation.
c. a change in gene frequencies within a population over many generations.
d. the gradual increase in animal intelligence over generations, culminating in the development of homo sapiens.

Answer 1

Evolution is the change in allele frequencies within a population over many generations, a process typically driven by natural selection like the changes seen in medium-ground finches. This genetic change is distinct from individual development, which occurs within an organism's lifetime without altering the population's gene pool.

Step-by-step explanation:

Evolution can be understood as c. a change in gene frequencies within a population over many generations. This process occurs through mechanisms like natural selection, where individuals with certain advantageous alleles reproduce more than others, leading to a change in the genetic composition of the population. For instance, using the ABO blood type system, the allele frequencies, such as IA, are calculated and any change in these frequencies over time would be considered evolution of that population.