Wheat became a major dietary component in early European populations. In these E

Question

Wheat became a major dietary component in early European populations. In these European populations, several different variants of the amylase gene already existed – some individuals had several copies of this gene and some individuals only had one copy of this gene. The amylase gene codes for an enzyme that is essential for digesting starches, such as wheat. People that had several copies of the amylase gene were able to produce more of the enzyme and digest and acquire nutrients from wheat better than individuals with only one copy. Therefore, individuals with multiple amylase gene copies had a greater fitness and were better able to survive and reproduce than individuals with only one amylase gene copy.

Which of the following evolutionary forces is most likely involved in this scenario?

A. Mutation

B. Selection

C. Gene Flow

D. Genetic Drift

E. No evolutionary forces are involved

A. Mutation

B. Selection

C. Gene Flow

D. Genetic Drift

E. No evolutionary forces are involved

Explanation / Answer

B) selection.

It is a process by which organisms better adapt to the environment tend to survive and reproduce.

A is wrong because mutation is not related to the fitness as an individual.

C is wrong because gene flow is a random phenomenon and it can increase and even decrease the fitness of an organism.

D is wrong because genetic drift may cause variants to disappear completely and thereby reduction in genetic variations.

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