Question

Gene mutations can be passed on to future generations and drive natural selection. Choose the best description of how gene mutations are involved in evolution.
A. Gene mutations often skip generations, with advantageous traits showing up several generations after the gene mutation was first introduced.
B. All gene mutations are passed to future generations and over many generations will contribute to the evolution of new species.
C. Gene mutations can be dominant or recessive for an organism. Dominant genes will be adaptive for future generations, but recessive genes won't.
D. Gene mutations can be helpful, harmful, or neutral for an organism's survival. Only mutations that are helpful in the organism's environment would influence its survival and reproduction.

Answer 1

Answer:

D

Explanation:

Natural selection, which powers evolution, favors traits in a population that offers an advantage in an environment. Mutations on genes that give advantage will, therefore, be preserved while those that are deleterious will be eliminated. For these mutations to be passed down generations, they have to be borne in gametes.