Humber Admissions Practice Test

What describes the process of evolution?

1. Change in the inherited traits in a population of organisms over time

2. Interaction of organisms with the environment

3. The adaptation process through artificial means

4. The ability of species to compete for survival

The correct answer is: Change in the inherited traits in a population of organisms over time

The correct answer highlights that evolution is fundamentally about the change in inherited traits within a population over time. This definition captures the essence of how species evolve, illustrating that as generations pass, traits that may be advantageous for survival and reproduction can become more prevalent within a population. This accumulation of changes can lead to the development of new species or the alteration of existing ones. In contrast, the other options describe related but distinct concepts. While the interaction of organisms with the environment is crucial for survival and can influence evolutionary changes, it does not fully encapsulate the process of evolution itself. The adaptation process through artificial means refers to selective breeding and similar practices, which do not represent the natural processes of evolution. Lastly, the notion of competition for survival addresses the idea of natural selection, a mechanism of evolution, but does not cover the broader process of change in inherited traits over time. Therefore, the description of evolution as a change in inherited traits in a population over time is comprehensive and accurately reflects the fundamental aspects of evolutionary theory.