Question

Suppose that the gene that triggers flowering in a population of daisies mutates in a portion of the population. Mutant daisies begin flowering more than four weeks after wild type daisies finish flowering. The mutation slowly spreads through the population until about half of the daisies in the field flower in May and half flower in August. This scenario represents what kind of evolution?

1) Macroevolution
2) Microevolution

Answer 1

The mutation causing daisies to flower at different times is an example of microevolution, which is the change in allele frequencies within a population over generations. The correct option is 2) Microevolution

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario described represents microevolution, which is the change in allele frequencies in a population over generations. In the case of the daisies, a mutation in the gene that triggers flowering has resulted in two different flowering times within the same population. Over time, this mutation has spread, leading to a situation where half of the daisies flower in May and the other half in August.

This change in the genetic makeup of the population in response to a mutation shows microevolution at work. The variation in flowering time could lead to different selection pressures, such as pollinator availability or changes in climate conditions, which might further drive evolutionary change. The correct option is 2) Microevolution