Which of the following processes includes all the others in the context of evolution and natural selection?

• A. Genetic drift
• B. Mutation
• C. Natural selection
• D. Gene flow

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of evolution, which is the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.
2. Recognize that natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
3. Identify that genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow are processes that contribute to genetic variation within a population, which is essential for natural selection to occur.
4. Understand that genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, mutation introduces new genetic variations, and gene flow involves the transfer of genetic material between populations.
5. Conclude that natural selection encompasses these processes as it acts on the genetic variation produced by genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow to drive evolutionary change.