In the context of populations, how do we define evolution?

• A. Evolution is the tendency for some individuals in a population to leave more offspring than others.
• B. Evolution is the way in which sexual reproduction can rapidly spread advantageous traits throughout a population.
• C. Evolution is the explanation for how organic molecules formed from inorganic molecules.
• D. Evolution is always caused by natural selection.
• E. Evolution is a change in a population's allele frequencies over generations.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of evolution in the context of populations. Evolution refers to changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time.
2. Recognize that evolution is often measured by changes in allele frequencies within a population. Alleles are different forms of a gene, and their frequencies can shift due to various evolutionary processes.
3. Consider the mechanisms that can cause changes in allele frequencies, such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow. These processes can lead to evolution by altering the genetic composition of a population.
4. Understand that evolution does not necessarily imply improvement or progress; it simply indicates a change in the genetic structure of a population over generations.
5. Finally, remember that evolution is a fundamental concept in biology that explains the diversity of life and how species adapt to their environments over time.