Question

What is meant by the statement "Evolution may proceed along 'genetic lines of least resistance'"?

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Characters with little genetic variation will constrain the rate of natural selection

Explanation:

Natural selection can have an effect only as long as there are variations on characters on which it can select upon. Genetic variation is independent of the environment or the needs that a species may have to become better adapted to its changing environment. In other words, genetic mutations are the raw material on which natural selection can work. If there is a low rate for mutations to occur, then natural selection will proceed at a slow pace. The opposite is also true. Since mutation rate may be more frequent at some locations in a gene than at others, it can be predicted that the characters coded in that gene location will be more likely to be affected by natural selection and therefore what phenotype may be molded by natural selection.