When comparing individuals of a population, a scientist finds a trait (A) that is shared by most members of a population and another trait (B) that is present in only a few individuals. How could this BEST be explained using descent with modification by natural selection?
A. Trait A evolved earlier in time and was not favored by selection.
B. Trait A evolved earlier in time and was favored by selection.
C. Trait A evolved in more locations and was not favored by selection.
D. Trait A evolved in more locations and was favored by selection.
B. Trait A evolved earlier in time and was favored by selection.
This explanation suggests that Trait A was advantageous to the individuals who possessed it, leading to its prevalence in the population over time. On the other hand, Trait B may have arisen more recently and may not have provided the same selective advantage, leading to its presence in only a few individuals.