Final answer:
The statements that support the neutral theory of evolution are that genetic variation is mainly due to neutral mutations, natural selection does not act on neutral mutations, and most genetic variation is not influenced by natural selection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The neutral theory of evolution proposes that most of the genetic variation within a population is due to neutral mutations, which have no effect on an organism's phenotype. These neutral mutations occur randomly and are not influenced by natural selection. Therefore, the following statements support the neutral theory of evolution:
- a) Genetic variation is mainly due to neutral mutations. Neutral mutations are responsible for the majority of genetic variation within a population.
- c) Natural selection acts on neutral mutations. Natural selection does not act on neutral mutations since they have no effect on an organism's phenotype.
- d) Most genetic variation is not influenced by natural selection. Natural selection primarily acts on phenotypic variations that offer an advantage or disadvantage for survival and reproduction, while most genetic variation remains unaffected by natural selection.