Question

Single step large mutation is called

• A. Regeneration
• B. Evolution
• C. Organization
• D. Saltation

Answer 1

The correct option is D Saltation

According to Darwin, evolution is gradual, while deVries believed that sudden heritable variations called mutation cause speciation. These mutations could also be large, in the sense that it is possible for a single large mutation to result in speciation. Such a single large mutation is called saltation. Darwin talked about variation and natural selection, leading to speciation, which ultimately results in evolution. But the cause of variation was explained by Hugo de Vries, who worked on evening primrose and explained the concept of mutation (mutation is a sudden heritable change). de Vries postulated that only mutation could lead to speciation and evolution, and that speciation could not be the result of such a slow process as Darwin had suggested. Thus, de Vries called it ‘saltation’.