Select all that can contribute to a change in the characteristics of a species over time?

Answer 1

Several factors can contribute to changes in the characteristics of a species over time, which is the basis for the process of evolution. These include:

1. Natural Selection: This process occurs when individuals with traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage are more likely to pass on those traits to the next generation.

2. Genetic Drift: Random fluctuations in allele frequencies in a population, especially in small populations, can lead to significant changes over time.

3. Mutation: Random changes in the DNA sequence can introduce new genetic variations, which can then be acted upon by natural selection or drift.

4. Gene Flow (Migration): The movement of individuals and their genetic material from one population to another can introduce new alleles and change the genetic makeup of a population.

5. Environmental Changes: Changes in the environment can alter selective pressures, leading species to adapt, migrate, or face extinction.

6. Sexual Selection: Preferences for certain traits in mates can lead to changes in those traits over generations.

7. Speciation Events: When populations become isolated, they can evolve independently, leading to the development of new species with distinct characteristics.

8. Human Activities: Habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and selective breeding can influence the evolution of species and their characteristics.

These mechanisms interact in complex ways to drive the evolutionary process and contribute to biodiversity.

Answer 2

Answers are
A mutation in a brain cell, egg cell, skin cell,, sperm cell, nerve cell, and somatic cell

Answer 3

From the options you've provided, the following can contribute to a change in the characteristics of a species over time:

1. Mutation in an Egg Cell: Mutations in gametes (egg and sperm cells) can be passed on to the next generation, contributing to evolutionary changes.

2. Mutation in a Sperm Cell: Similar to mutations in egg cells, mutations in sperm cells can also be inherited, potentially impacting the characteristics of offspring.

Mutations in somatic cells, including brain cells, skin cells, nerve cells, and other types of non-reproductive cells, usually do not contribute to evolutionary changes in a species because they are not passed on to the next generation. However, they can lead to diseases or other changes in the individual organism.

Therefore, the relevant options for contributing to changes in the characteristics of a species over time are:

• Mutation in an Egg Cell
• Mutation in a Sperm Cell

If you are interested in understanding more about each type of mutation and its implications, feel free to ask!