Which of the following best summarizes the process of evolution by natural selection?
A) Most mutations have harmful effects and therefore increase in frequency over time.
B) Mutations that do not affect the fitness of individuals are selected to decrease in frequency over time.
C) Natural selection results in mutations that disrupt finely tuned processes.
D) Mutations that improve the fitness of individuals will tend to increase in frequency over time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Evolution by natural selection involves the gradual increase in frequency of traits that improve the fitness of individuals in a population over time. This occurs through differential reproductive success, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing these traits on to their offspring. Mutations that produce these advantageous traits are more likely to increase in frequency over time, while those that do not affect the fitness of individuals are less likely to be selected for and may decrease in frequency over time.

Which of the Following Best Summarizes the Process of Evolution