Ques. 1AIPMT 2001
Forthcoming generations are less adaptive than their parental generation due to
- Genetic drift
- Natural selection
- Mutation
- Adaptation
Answer
(3) Mutation
Solution
Most new mutations are random and harmful; they disturb the well-adjusted gene combinations of the parents.
⇒ Offspring carrying such harmful mutations are less adapted to the environment than their parents.
Natural selection and adaptation increase fitness, so they cannot make the next generation less adaptive.
∴ Forthcoming generations become less adaptive due to mutation.
Answer: (3)