Which situation would most likely result in evolution within a population?

• A. A population of insects develops resistance to a pesticide over several generations.
• B. A group of mammals experiences no change in their environment or genetic makeup.
• C. A plant population remains genetically identical for many generations.
• D. A population of birds migrates to a new area but does not change over time.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of evolution. Evolution refers to the change in the genetic makeup of a population over generations, often driven by mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.
2. Step 2: Analyze the scenarios provided in the problem. Look for evidence of genetic change or adaptation over time, as this is a key indicator of evolution.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the first scenario: 'A population of insects develops resistance to a pesticide over several generations.' This suggests that genetic changes are occurring in the population, likely due to natural selection favoring individuals with resistance traits.
4. Step 4: Compare the other scenarios. For example, 'A group of mammals experiences no change in their environment or genetic makeup' indicates no evolution, as there is no genetic change or environmental pressure driving adaptation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the scenario involving insects developing resistance to a pesticide is the most likely to result in evolution, as it demonstrates genetic adaptation to environmental pressures over generations.