The modern atomic theory states that all matter is made out of atoms and that they cannot be destroyed or created out of nothing. They can't be changed, but they can be combined with other atoms and create new compounds.
That depends on what you mean by ripples at the beginning of time. If you are referring to inflation of the universe caused by the Big Bang, and the subsequent "ripples", then those ripples are the leftover, background radiation from the event. If you are referring to ripples in space-time, then it still could have multiple meanings.
A. a piece of DNA that controls a trait
C The dark green phenotype benefits the insects' survival, making them more likely to reproduce.
