All of these examples show evidence for evolution because they demonstrate which of the following?

• A. Environmental stability and lack of change
• B. Descent with modification and common ancestry
• C. Random mutation and genetic drift only
• D. Artificial selection and domestication

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of evolution: Evolution refers to the process by which species change over time through mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow. A key aspect of evolution is 'descent with modification,' which means that species share a common ancestor but have diverged over time due to changes in their genetic makeup.
2. Analyze the options provided: The first option, 'Environmental stability and lack of change,' does not align with the concept of evolution, as evolution inherently involves change over time. The second option, 'Descent with modification and common ancestry,' directly reflects the core principles of evolution. The third option, 'Random mutation and genetic drift only,' is incomplete because evolution involves additional mechanisms like natural selection. The fourth option, 'Artificial selection and domestication,' is a human-driven process and not a comprehensive explanation of natural evolutionary evidence.
3. Focus on the correct concept: 'Descent with modification and common ancestry' is the most accurate description of the evidence for evolution. This concept explains how species can share a common ancestor and yet exhibit differences due to modifications over generations.
4. Relate to examples of evidence: Examples of evidence for evolution include homologous structures (similar anatomical features in different species due to common ancestry), fossil records (showing gradual changes over time), and molecular evidence (similarities in DNA sequences among species). These all support the idea of descent with modification and common ancestry.
5. Conclude the reasoning: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is 'Descent with modification and common ancestry,' as it encapsulates the fundamental principles of evolution and is supported by various lines of evidence.