Question

Most causes of speciation are relatively slow, in that they may take many generations to see changes, with the exception of ________?

1) Genetic drift
2) Natural selection
3) Mutation
4) Gene flow

Answer 1

The mutation is the evolutionary force that can introduce new genetic variation into a population relatively quickly, potentially leading to speciation, unlike the gradual changes promoted by genetic drift, gene flow, or natural selection. So, the correct answer is option 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

Most causes of speciation are indeed slow processes, requiring many generations to observe notable changes. Among the four main forces of evolution — genetic drift, gene flow, mutation, and natural selection — mutations stand out as the exception that can introduce new genetic variation into a population relatively quickly.

Mutations are changes to an organism's DNA that generate new genotypic and phenotypic variations, providing the raw material on which natural selection can act. However, unlike genetic drift or gene flow which alters allele frequencies, mutations can rapidly introduce entirely new alleles into a population, potentially leading to speciation. This process is essential for evolution, as without it, there would be no new genetic material for natural selection to act upon.

Therefore, when addressing the question of which evolutionary force can cause relatively rapid changes within a population, leading to speciation, the answer is:

• Mutation