Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution to describe how living things change over time. Later, as scientists investigated genetics, they discovered the characteristics Mendel observed were passed from one generation to the next through genes. How did the discovery of genes most likely affect the theory of evolution?%0D%0A%0D%0A a%0D%0AThe theory of evolution was updated to include the new information.%0D%0A b%0D%0AThe theory of evolution remained unchanged by the new information.%0D%0A c%0D%0AThe new information showed that the theory of evolution should become a law.%0D%0A d%0D%0AThe new information showed that the theory of evolution was completely inaccurate.
a) The theory of evolution was updated to include the new information.
The discovery of genes added a new layer of understanding to how traits are passed down from generation to generation, providing more evidence for the mechanisms of natural selection and evolution. This new information would likely lead to updates and refinements to the theory of evolution to incorporate the role of genetics in shaping the diversity of life on Earth.