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?

Question

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

Answer 1

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

This factor is important because if the new skin color confers a survival advantage to the grasshoppers in their environment (e.g. providing better camouflage or protection from predators), then the frequency of the new allele is more likely to increase over time through natural selection.