Question

In which of the following scenarios would evolution by natural selection take place?(1 point)
Responses

Microorganisms reproduce asexually, producing identical offspring
Microorganisms reproduce asexually, producing identical offspring

Penguins reproduce sexually, producing offspring that look different from one another
Penguins reproduce sexually, producing offspring that look different from one another

A banana tree branch is planted, producing a clone of the parent tree
A banana tree branch is planted, producing a clone of the parent tree

Corn is genetically modified and cloned to make identical crops
Corn is genetically modified and cloned to make identical crops

Answer 1

Evolution by natural selection requires (1) heritable variation among individuals and (2) differential survival or reproduction based on that variation.

Only the penguin scenario fits:
- Penguins reproduce sexually and produce different-looking (variable) offspring — natural selection can act on that variation.

The others would not (as stated) because they produce identical clones, so there is no heritable variation for selection to act on:
- Asexually reproducing microorganisms producing identical offspring — no variation.
- Banana branch producing a clone — no variation.
- Genetically modified corn cloned to make identical crops — no variation among the clones (so no natural selection), though note: if mutations or different genotypes were present, asexual populations can evolve by selection.