Question

Which one of the following evidences does not support Darwin’s theory of natural selection?

Options

• Branching Descent

• Small & directional variations

• Appearance of new traits by mutations

• Survival of the fittest

Answer 1

Appearance of new traits by mutations

Explanation:

Darwin’s theory depends on branching (common) descent and on small, gradual heritable variations acted on by natural selection (survival of the fittest); sudden large changes by mutation (saltation) are a mutationist idea incompatible with Darwin’s original gradualism.