Which of the following statements about the evolution of animals is correct?

• A. Natural selection acts on heritable variation within populations, leading to the evolution of new animal species over time.
• B. Evolution in animals only occurs through the inheritance of acquired characteristics.
• C. Genetic mutations in animals always result in beneficial adaptations.
• D. All animal species evolve at the same rate regardless of environmental pressures.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of evolution: Evolution refers to the change in the genetic composition of populations over generations, driven by mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, and mutations.
2. Clarify the role of natural selection: Natural selection acts on heritable traits (genetic variations) within a population. Traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage are more likely to be passed on to future generations, leading to evolutionary changes over time.
3. Evaluate the statement about inheritance of acquired characteristics: This idea, proposed by Lamarck, suggests that traits acquired during an organism's lifetime can be passed to offspring. Modern biology has shown this is incorrect; evolution occurs through changes in genetic material (DNA), not acquired traits.
4. Analyze the statement about genetic mutations: Mutations are changes in DNA that can be neutral, harmful, or beneficial. Not all mutations result in beneficial adaptations; many have no effect or can be detrimental.
5. Consider the statement about evolution rates: Evolutionary rates vary among species and are influenced by factors such as environmental pressures, population size, and genetic variation. Species do not evolve at the same rate universally.