Question

~Select the statement that best describes the modern evolutionary synthesis.

1) A consensus that describes how evolutionary processes, such as natural selection, can affect a population's genetic makeup, and how this can result in the gradual evolution of populations.

2) The hypothesis that describes how individuals adapt to their environment by utilizing natural selection to alter their DNA quickly to survive extreme conditions.

3) The concept of creating a bigger, stronger, and more fit organism by taking advantage of natural selection.

4) A theory that states that most mutations are neutral, and that genetic drift is the predominant force behind evolution.

~ Which descriptions are examples of fossils? (multiple answers)

1) burrows of prehistoric clams filled in with ancient mud

2) arrowheads found at an archaeological site

3) bones of a cow found lying in a modern field

4) bones of a saber‑toothed cat preserved in rock

5) imprint of a fern left in ancient sandstone

Answer 1

(A)

The merge of Mendel's and Darwin's discoveries, i.e., the integration of evolution and genetics resulted in modern evolutionary synthesis. The population genetics that involves the study of the change in different gene types frequency within a population is a part of modern evolutionary synthesis.

Modern synthesis is the combined perception of the association between genetics and natural selection. Therefore, the modern synthesis explains how evolutionary processes like natural selection affects the genetic makeup of a population which illustrates how this results in the progressive evolution of species and populations.

Hence, the option (1) is correct.

(B)

The traces or remains of the organisms present in the ancient times that are preserved by the natural processes are known as fossils. Trails, tracks, and imprints can also form fossils, known as trace fossils.

The examples of fossils are given below:

• The burrows of prehistoric clams filled in with ancient mud.
• The bones of a saber‑toothed cat preserved in rock.
• An imprint of a fern left in ancient sandstone.