Question

Modern theory called synthetic theory of evolution is based on

• A. Genetic and chromosomal mutations
• B. Genetic recombination and natural selection
• C. Reproductive isolation
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

The modern synthetic theory of evolution is the result of the work of a number of scientists namely T. Dobzhansky, R.A. Fisher, J.B.S. Haldane, Swall Wright, Ernst Mayr, and G.L. Stebbins. Stebbins in his book, Process of Organic Evolution, discussed the synthetic theory.
It includes the following factors

(1) Gene mutations

(2) Variation (Recombination)

(3) Heredity

(4) Natural selection

(5) Isolation.
In addition, three accessory factors affect the working of these five basic factors - Migration of individuals from one population to another as well as hybridization between races or closely related species both increase the amount of genetic variability available to a population. The effects of chance acting on small populations may alter the way in which natural selection guides the course of evolution.
Thus, option D is correct.