Suppose a small number of geese are born with a genetic mutation that makes them spend more time caring for their eggs. As a result, more chicks hatch from these eggs that then survive to reproduce themselves

Question

According to the principle of natural selection, which of the following would be the likely result?
A) Other genetic mutations would start occurring at a faster rate.
B) The genetically inherited behavior would become more common after many generations.
C) The genetically inherited behavior would become less common after many generations.
D) The rate of genetic mutations would slow drastically.

Answer 1

Answer: B
Rationale: Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection states that genetically inherited traits that contribute to survival and reproductive success are more likely to flourish within the breeding population. In this example, the genetically inherited trait improves the chance of survival for the chicks, many of which will inherit the gene from their parent. Therefore, the trait will become more common over time. This process generally does not affect the rate of genetic mutations.