Question

A genetic mutation causes a newt to have faster reflexes. After many generations, most of the newt population has the reflex mutation. Which of the following most likely caused this change?
a. Other newts learned to copy the strategies of the mutated newt.
b. The newt passed on its mutated gene to other adult newts.
c. Newts with the mutation are better able to survive and reproduce than newts without
the mutation.
d. The mutation was contagious.

Answer 1

Answer:

C

Explanation:

Because the newts with this mutation have faster reflexes, they are able to evade predators much better than the normal newts. This increases their chances of survival hence are more likely to reach reproductive age than the normal newts. Therefore they have a higher probability of passing their genes to the next generations. With each generation, newts with the mutated gene will increase.