A mutation introduces a new skin color in a grasshopper population. Which factor might determine whether the frequency of the new allele will increase over time?

a
whether the mutation makes some grasshoppers more fit to survive in their environment
b
whether the mutation was caused by nature or by human intervention
c
how many phenotypes are present
d
how many other alleles are present

1 answer

a) whether the mutation makes some grasshoppers more fit to survive in their environment

This factor will determine whether the new allele will be selected for and increase in frequency over time. If the new skin color provides a survival advantage in the grasshopper's environment, individuals with the new allele are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on the allele to future generations.