Question

Which of these ideas does NOT represent one of Darwin's singular contributions to understanding evolution?

A) That some form of selection occurs in nature
B)That selection works on the trait variation among individuals within a population
C) That reproductive isolation between pairs of species would be found to be along a continuum, with some pairs isolated only partially and others completely
D) That sexual selection on males via female choice would be a potent form of selection

Answer 1

The concept NOT attributed to Darwin as a singular contribution is the idea of a continuum in reproductive isolation between species. Darwin's key contributions encompass the principles of natural selection and its role in the evolution of species through inherited traits, competition for resources, and differential survival and reproduction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The idea that does NOT represent one of Darwin's singular contributions to understanding evolution is C) That reproductive isolation between pairs of species would be found to be along a continuum, with some pairs isolated only partially and others completely. Darwin's contributions focused on the process known as natural selection, which is a mechanism determined by three principles:

• Variation in inherited traits among individuals within a population.
• The overproduction of offspring and limited resources, leading to competition for survival.
• The differential reproductive success of individuals, leading to the propagation of advantageous traits.

Darwin's work was primarily centered on how process like natural and artificial selection could contribute to the evolution of species over time. The concept of a continuum of reproductive isolation relates to the formation of new species, which was more extensively developed in the later modern synthesis, integrating principles of genetics.