IB Biology SL D4.1.6 Traits Must Be Heritable Questions
Explain why natural selection can change a population only when advantageous traits are encoded in inherited genetic variation.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology SL
- Level
- SL
Explain why natural selection can change a population only when advantageous traits are encoded in inherited genetic variation.
A central idea in the theory of evolution is that species may evolve gradually over time from a common ancestor.
Which statement(s) explain(s) the pattern of evolution seen in the diagram?
I. Beak shape shows genetic variability in the common ancestor.
II. Changes in beak shape that occur during the lifetime of an individual bird are passed on to the next generation.
III. Changes in beak shape are heritable and make each species better adapted to its environment.
II only
I and II only
I and III only
I, II and III
C