Question

'Descent with modification' explains

• A. Convergent evolution
• B. Adaptive radiation
• C. Parallel evolution
• D. Co-evolution

Answer 1

The correct option is B Adaptive radiation

Convergent evolution describes the independent evolution of similar features in species of different lineages. Convergent evolution creates analogous structures that have similar form or function, but that were not present in the last common ancestor of those groups. Convergent evolution is not related to descent with modification. Thus, option A is wrong.
Parallel evolution is the development of a similar trait in related, but distinct, species descending from the same ancestor, but from different clades. Parallel evolution is not related to descent with modification. Thus, option C is wrong.
In biology, co-evolution is "the change of a biological object triggered by the change of a related object.". In other words, when changes in at least two species' genetic compositions reciprocally affect each others evolution, co-evolution has occurred. Co-evolution is not related to descent with modification. Thus, option D is wrong.
The evolutionary term descent with modification is most often associated with human evolution, but it is actually a more general term than that would suggest. Simply put, descent with modification means that traits are passed down from generation to generation and sometimes undergo changes or modifications over time. These changes may be caused by Natural Selection or even a mutation of DNA. The term became popular when Charles Darwin used it in his book The Descent of Man. Adaptive radiation is an evolutionary pattern whereby a single ancestral form diversifies into several or many related forms. Adaptive radiation is a subset of the theory of descent with modification, expressing evolution within closely related forms rather than new designs. Thus, option B is correct.