Question

Consider the following statements relating to evolution and answer the question.

(i) Organisms are products of a history of descent with modification.
(ii) Characteristics acquired by an organism during its lifetime are inherited by its offspring.
(iii) The goal of evolution is to adapt organisms to the environment.
(iv) Evolutionary change is brought about by natural selection.

The theory of evolution presented in Darwin's "The Origin of Species" depended on what combination of these statements?

Which pair of statements would both be considered false by most evolutionists today?

• A. (i) and (ii)
• B. (i) and (iii)
• C. (i) and (iv)
• D. (ii) and (iii)
• E. (ii) and (iv)

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

(ii) and (iii)

Evolution is the process wherein ancient species leave descendants and this descendents in turn are evolving and will leave modified descendants; the process of evolution goes on till each species leaves its descendants. Only genetic traits are inherited by offspring; modifications in somatic traits remain confined to that individual only. Evolution is an ongoing process but is not directed towards a certain goal of making the organisms most adapted one. For examples, the contemporary plant species well adapted to dry conditions will become poorly adapted if the climate of the habit changes over time. Hence, evolution moves towards dynamic adjustment. Random mutations in existing populations are acted upon by natural selection that favors only those mutations which confer survival and/or reproductive advantage to the individuals over others. Thus, the correct answer is option D.