Concept explainers
Macroevolution is distinct from microevolution in that macroevolution
a. | results in changes to life’s diversity. |
b. | results in changes to the DNA of organisms. |
c. | affects larger organisms. |
d. | can be observed. |
Introduction:
The types of organisms have changed throughout the history of life. New species have appeared, and many have gone extinct. These events are included in evolution. Evolution is of two types: macroevolution and microevolution.
Answer to Problem 1MCQ
Correct answer:
The appearance of new species and the extinction of species are studied under evolution. These large and complex changes in life’s diversity are known as ‘macroevolution.’ Hence, the correct answer is option a.
Explanation of Solution
Reason for correct answer:
Option a. is given as, “results in changes to life’s diversity.”
Macroevolution is distinct from microevolution. As the name suggests, it describes the large changes in organisms such as the appearance of new species. Macroevolution eventually results in large scale changes in life’s diversity, which includes extinction and appearance of new species.
Reason for incorrect answer:
Option b. is given as, “results in changes to the DNA of organisms.”
The changes in DNA or shifting of allele frequencies in organisms represent small scale changes in the population which result in microevolution. Hence, option b. is incorrect.
Option c. is given as, “affects larger organisms.”
Macroevolution affects the population with large changes which includes all organisms. It does not affect only large organisms. Hence, option c. is incorrect
Option d. is given as, “can be observed.”
The process of macroevolution takes places only at species level due to which it cannot be observed or detected easily for different species. Hence, option d. is incorrect.
Hence, the options b., c., and d. are incorrect.
Macroevolution is distinct from microevolution, which results in large and complex changes to life’s diversity. Thus, the correct answer is option a.
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Chapter 14 Solutions
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- Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax College