In which of the following scenarios would evolution by natural selection take place? (1 point) Microorganisms reproduce asexually, producing identical offspring Corn is genetically modified and cloned to make identical crops Penguins reproduce sexually, producing offspring that look different from one another banana tree branch is planted, producing a clone of the parent tree
Evolution by natural selection would take place in the following scenario:
- Penguins reproduce sexually, producing offspring that look different from one another.
Which type of environment would tend to reduce genetic variation in a population because of evolution by natural selection? (point) a tropical rainforest that is being deforested for farmland an old growth forest with trees that are over 1,500 years old grasslands that are undergoing severe drought an ocean ecosystem that is becoming more acidic
An old growth forest with trees that are over 1,500 years old.
Evolution by natural selection occurs when there is heritable variation among individuals in a population, differential reproductive success, and accumulation of favorable traits over generations. Let's consider each scenario and determine if evolution by natural selection would take place:
1. Microorganisms reproduce asexually, producing identical offspring - In this scenario, there is no heritable variation among the offspring, as they are genetically identical to the parent. Since there is no variation to act upon, evolution by natural selection would not occur in this case.
2. Corn is genetically modified and cloned to make identical crops - Similar to the first scenario, genetically modified and cloned crops also lack genetic variation among individuals. Therefore, evolution by natural selection does not take place in this case.
3. Penguins reproduce sexually, producing offspring that look different from one another - Sexual reproduction introduces genetic variation through recombination of genes from both parents. This variation provides the potential for natural selection to act upon and favors individuals with traits that increase their chances of survival and reproduction. Consequently, evolution by natural selection can occur in sexually reproducing populations like penguins.
4. Banana tree branch is planted, producing a clone of the parent tree - This scenario involves a form of asexual reproduction called vegetative propagation, where plants produce clones from vegetative parts like stems or roots. Clones are genetically identical to the parent tree, lacking any genetic variation among individuals. As a result, evolution by natural selection would not take place in this case.
Therefore, the scenario where evolution by natural selection would occur is when penguins reproduce sexually, producing offspring that look different from one another.