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Multiple Choice
Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in the microevolution of a population of humans?
A
Only random mating takes place among all the people that reproduce in North America.
B
The incidence of skin cancer in adults over age 40 rises significantly.
C
Hundreds of thousands of people are killed in a natural disaster.
D
All of the listed responses are correct.
E
A colony of humans on the moon is isolated from Earth.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of microevolution: Microevolution refers to small-scale changes in allele frequencies within a population over time. These changes can be due to mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation.
Evaluate the given scenarios: Consider each scenario and determine if it could lead to changes in allele frequencies within a population.
Analyze the scenario of random mating: Random mating alone does not change allele frequencies, as it does not introduce new alleles or alter existing ones.
Consider the scenario of increased skin cancer incidence: This scenario affects individuals after reproductive age and is unlikely to influence allele frequencies in the population.
Examine the scenario of a colony on the moon: Isolation of a population can lead to genetic drift and changes in allele frequencies due to the founder effect, making this scenario a likely cause of microevolution.