Question

Which of the following is the unit of evolution?

• A. Species
• B. Mutation
• C. Population
• D. Individual

Answer 1

The correct option is C Population

Species is a group of similar organisms that share common characteristics and are capable of interbreeding among themselves but are reproductively isolated from other species. Individual is defined as a single organism of a particular species.

A population is a group of individuals of the same species living in a particular area at a particular time and capable of interbreeding with each other.

The population is subject to various selection pressures, and may undergo changes in the genotype and phenotype due to which the entire gene pool of the population changes and leads to evolution. Hence, the unit of evolution is population.

Mutation is a sudden change in the genetic makeup of an organism.