Evolutionary Change is Best Defined as a Change in Allele

Question

Evolutionary change is best defined as a change in allele frequency over
A) generational time, including through mutation or drift.
B) generational time caused by selection, but not by mutation or genetic drift.
C) time caused by either drift or mutation, but not selection.
D) generational time that gives rise to a new species.

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary change is defined as a change in allele frequencies over time. This change can occur due to various factors such as mutation, genetic drift, and selection. However, the definition of evolutionary change does not require the emergence of a new species, so option D is incorrect. Option B is incorrect because evolutionary change can occur due to both selection and non-selective mechanisms, such as mutation and drift. Option C is incorrect because evolutionary change can also occur due to selection, not just drift or mutation. Therefore, the best answer is A, which includes all possible mechanisms of evolutionary change.