Question

Which of the following does not form the basis for Neo-Darwinism?

• A. Genotypic variations
• B. Natural selection
• C. Inheritance of acquired characters
• D. Isolation

Answer 1

The correct option is C Inheritance of acquired characters

According to neo-Darwinism, mutations produce sudden, discontinuous variations which accumulate in the gene pool. These random variations are acted upon by natural selection that favors, through differential reproduction, only those which confer survival and/or reproductive advantage to the individuals over others. Accumulation of these adaptive variations in lineages over generation makes them better adapted to existing environmental conditions. Further, reproductive isolation of populations of species by geographical and/or physiological barriers leads to the formation of new species i.e. evolution. Mutations and hybridization accumulate genetic variations, the raw material on which natural selection acts upon to select the useful variation. Accumulation of adaptive changes in population’s genetic makeup through successive generations and reproductive isolation leads to evolution. Inheritance of acquired characters states that individual acquires characters under influence of needs as posed as changing environmental conditions; these characters are inherited while neo Darwinism follows variations through changes in genetic material only. Thus, the correct answer is option C.