Question

_________________. When a new mutation arises, the total population consists of one group with a single mutant and many groups with no mutants. There is not much variation among groups in this scenario for group selection to act upon. Now imagine a species that has the ability to socially transmit information. A new cultural mutation can rapidly spread to everyone in the same group, resulting in one group that is very different from the other groups in the total population.

• A. It is time now to understand the enigmatic aspect of the human condition.
• B. A culture can radically shift the balance between levels of selection in favour of group selection.
• C. Hypothesis testing does not always require quantification.
• D. Consider genetic evolution by itself.
• E. The balance between levels of selection is not fixed but can itself evolve.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Consider genetic evolution by itself.

Option (d)

The passage specifically relates to the whole idea of ‘mutation’ or ‘genetic evolution’. [a] is beyond the purview of the passage because ‘human condition’ comprises many elements other than ‘genetic evolution’. [c] is a general statement and does not particularly relate to the subsequent discussion; hence it can be negated immediately. [b] would make a better conclusion than an introduction for the passage, as the passage begins on a general note and then goes on to discuss the idea of cultural mutation. Though in this passage we are discussing different levels of selection, the balance between the levels is not the focus, so [e] is wrong. The first sentence of a paragraph should broadly state what the passage would go on to discuss.Only [d] states the main topic and can aptly start the paragraph.