Some biologists summarize evolution by natural selection with the phrase 'mutation proposes, selection disposes.' Mutation is a process that creates heritable variation. Explain what the phrase means.

Explain the logic behind the claim that the nuclear envelope is a synapomorphy that defines eukaryotes as a monophyletic group.

Explain the logic behind the claim that the nuclear envelope is a synapomorphy that defines eukaryotes as a monophyletic group.

An adaptation is a trait of an organism that increases .a. its fitness;b. its ability to survive and replicate;c. in frequency in a population over many generations;d. A and B are correct;e. A, B, and C are correct

The DNA sequence for the same gene found in several species of mammals .a. is identical among all species;b. is equally different between all pairs of mammal species;c. is more similar between closely related species than between distantly related species;d. provides evidence for the hypothesis of common descent;e. more than one of the above is correct

Although cellulose and starch are identical in terms of stored chemical energy, our ability to harvest the energy from these two polysaccharides differs considerably. What is responsible for this difference?

Marsupial mammals give birth to young that complete their development in a pouch on the mother's abdomen. All the native mammals of Australia are marsupials, while these types of mammals are absent or uncommon on other continents. This observation is an example of a.developmental evidence for evolution;b. biogeogra­phic evidence for evolution;c. genetic evidence for evolution;d. fossil evidence for evolution;e. not useful evidence for evolution

A swim bladder is a gas-filled sac that helps fish maintain buoyancy. The evolution of the swim bladder from the air-breathing organ (a simple lung) of an ancestral fish is an example ofa. exaptation.b. changes in Hox gene expression.c. paedomorphosis.d. adaptive radiation.

A swim bladder is a gas-filled sac that helps fish maintain buoyancy. Evidence indicates that early fish gulped air into primitive lungs, helping them survive in stagnant waters. The evolution of the swim bladder from lungs of an ancestral fish is an example ofa. an evolutionary trend.b. paedomorphosis.c. the gradual refinement of a structure with the same function.d. exaptation.