Question

Select the correct sequence of events in an evolutionary process.

• A. Change in phenotype $-$ change in genotype $-$ speciation $-$ selection
• B. Speciation $-$ change in genotye $-$ selection $-$ change in phenotype
• C. Speciation $-$ selection $-$ change in phenotype $-$ change in genotype
• D. Change in genotype $-$ change in phenotype $-$ selection $-$ speciation
• E. Selection $-$ speciation $-$ change in phenotype $-$ change in genotype

Answer 1

The correct option is D Change in genotype $-$ change in phenotype $-$ selection $-$ speciation

Evolution is the process of accumulation of adaptive changes in population’s genetic makeup through successive generations. Mutations, random inheritable changes in structure and number of DNA molecules (genotype) in reproductive cells of organisms generate the genetic variability among individuals of the population. Changes in genotype are exhibited as respective changes in phenotype. These random changes are acted upon by natural selection that favors only those mutations which confer survival and/or reproductive advantage to the individuals over others. Accumulation of these adaptive changes in lineages over generation makes them better adapted to existing environmental conditions and reproductively isolated (speciation) from other populations of same species not carrying the changes. Thus, the correct answer is option D.