Question

According to Neo-Darwinism, natural selection operates through

• A. Fighting between organisms
• B. Killing the weaker organism
• C. Differential reproduction
• D. Variations

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Differential reproduction

The term differential reproduction is used to compare reproduction rates of two groups of individuals of the same generation of a species, each having a different genotype. In Neo-Darwinism (fusion of natural selection and genetic concepts of Mendelism) which is also called as ‘modern synthesis’ theory of evolution. It states that natural selection is the process by which individuals with genetic traits better adapted to their environments survive long and reproduce to produce many offspring, and so transfers the genes for those favourable adaptations to the next generation. The individuals lacking the favourable traits have fewer chances of survival before they can reproduce, thus removing their genetic material from the continuing gene pool. Thus, the correct answer is ‘Differential reproduction.’