Question

According to evolutionary theory, the formation of new species is due to:

• A. New needs and changes in environmental conditions.
• B. A sudden change in climatic conditions.
• C. Small changes in the organisms over the generations.
• D. Inheritance of acquired characteristics.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Small changes in the organisms over the generations.

Origin of new species from the existing one is called speciation. Gene flow between two isolated sub-populations is very less. Over generations, different variations in the form of small changes accumulate in each of the two isolated sub-populations. Natural selection may also operate simultaneously in these isolated populations. In this way, both variations and natural selection result in the formation of new species.