Which piece of evidence would best help to explain the appearance of
different mutations affecting wing structure over such a short period
of time?
*
1 point
Populations of crickets experience a high rate of mutation that produces many phenotypes.
Populations of crickets introduce similar mutations to overcome similar selective pressures.
Wing structure is an acquired trait that is established in every new generation.
Individual crickets determine the wing structure to ensure maximum survival.
Populations of crickets experience a high rate of mutation that produces many phenotypes.
The piece of evidence that would best help to explain the appearance of different mutations affecting wing structure over a short period of time is: "Populations of crickets experience a high rate of mutation that produces many phenotypes."
To determine which piece of evidence would best help explain the appearance of different mutations affecting wing structure over a short period of time, we need to consider the process of natural selection and how genetic variation arises in populations.
1. Populations of crickets experience a high rate of mutation that produces many phenotypes: This piece of evidence suggests that crickets possess a high mutation rate, resulting in a wide range of different traits and phenotypes. This genetic variation could potentially lead to different mutations affecting wing structure. However, this evidence alone does not directly explain why these mutations appear over a short period of time or how they are influenced by selective pressures.
2. Populations of crickets introduce similar mutations to overcome similar selective pressures: This evidence suggests that crickets may be facing selective pressures that require specific adaptations in wing structure. If the mutations that arise in response to these pressures result in changes to wing structure, it could explain the appearance of different mutations affecting wing structure over a short period of time.
3. Wing structure is an acquired trait that is established in every new generation: This evidence implies that wing structure is not determined by genetic variation but rather acquired through an environmental or developmental process in each new generation. Therefore, it does not provide an explanation for the appearance of different mutations affecting wing structure over time.
4. Individual crickets determine the wing structure to ensure maximum survival: This evidence suggests that each cricket has control over its own wing structure and can modify it to maximize its chances of survival. However, this does not explain how and why different mutations affecting wing structure appear over a short period of time.
Considering the available options, the most relevant piece of evidence that would best help explain the appearance of different mutations affecting wing structure over a short period of time is option number 2: "Populations of crickets introduce similar mutations to overcome similar selective pressures." This evidence suggests that the presence of similar mutations in response to similar selective pressures is a likely explanation for the appearance of different mutations affecting wing structure. The selective pressures may be driving the adaptations in wing structure, resulting in the appearance of different mutations in a short timeframe.