Which one of the following statements about the evolution of complex characters,such as powered flight,is false?
A)Phylogenetic analysis using cladistics can help reveal the sequence leading to the evolution of a complex character.
B)Usually a single mutation in a key gene controlling development leads to the simultaneous appearance of the complex character.
C)Often the initial stage in the evolution of a complex character was an adaptation to some unrelated selection pressure.
D)All of the intermediate stages in the evolution of a complex character contributed to the fitness of the species.
E)Long periods of time are required for the evolution of complex characters.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While mutations in key genes can play a role in the evolution of complex characters, it is rare for a single mutation to lead to the simultaneous appearance of a fully-formed complex character. Rather, the evolution of such characters usually occurs through a series of intermediate stages, each of which provides some fitness advantage.

Which One of the Following Statements About the Evolution of Complex