Many of Darwin's Contemporaries Argued That Discontinuous Variation Is the Reason

question 47

Multiple Choice

Many of Darwin's contemporaries argued that discontinuous variation is the reason that complex traits evolve. However, Darwin reasoned that discontinuous traits do not play a major role because

• A) since they lack continuity, discontinuous traits would be rapidly selected against.
• B) discontinuous traits, although common, are rarely inherited.
• C) the probability of several novel mutations that work together arising at once is so high that there are mechanisms that immediately destroy them.
• D) the probability of several novel mutations that work together to make a functioning trait arising all at once is almost zero.

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Definitions:

Arterial Blood

Blood found in the arteries that is bright red due to its high oxygen content, circulating from the heart to various parts of the body.

Bicarbonate

An alkaline, bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) that acts as a buffer to maintain the pH balance in bodily fluids, particularly blood.

Intravascular Space

The inside area of blood vessels through which blood circulates within the body.

Coma

A state of deep unconsciousness in which a person cannot be awakened, fails to respond normally to pain or light, and lacks a normal wake-sleep cycle.