Darwin assumed that evolutionary change was always slow and gradual. What was the first evidence that suggested evolutionary change might happen fast sometimes?
A.
homologous structures
B.
fossils
C.
reproduction rates
D. DNA sequences
1. B
2. D
3. C
4. c
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The correct answer is D. DNA sequences.
Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection proposed that evolutionary change occurs slowly and gradually over long periods of time. However, the first evidence that suggested evolutionary change might happen quickly sometimes came from the study of DNA sequences.
DNA is the genetic material that carries the instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms. It is composed of a sequence of nucleotides that make up genes, which determine an organism's traits.
By comparing the DNA sequences of different organisms, scientists can determine how closely related they are. If the DNA sequences are very similar, it suggests that the organisms share a recent common ancestor. On the other hand, if the DNA sequences are very different, it suggests that the organisms diverged from a common ancestor a long time ago.
Through DNA sequencing, scientists have discovered instances where evolutionary change has occurred relatively quickly. For example, they have found cases of rapid evolution in bacteria, where populations can develop resistance to antibiotics within a short period of time. This rapid change is possible because bacteria have short generation times and reproduce quickly, allowing mutations to occur and spread at a faster rate compared to organisms with longer generation times.
Therefore, the first evidence that suggested evolutionary change might happen fast sometimes is the study of DNA sequences, which has revealed rapid evolution in certain populations.