Question

all of these are examples of random evolutionary processes except
a.
an earthquake divides a single elk species into two populations, forcing
them to no longer interbreed.

b.
a mutation in a flower plant results in a new variety.

c.
an especially long winter causes a group of migrating birds to shift their
home range.

d.
a mutation results in a population of trees that spread their seeds more
widely than their peers, causing their population to grow.

Explanation:

Random evolutionary processes are unguided, chance events that affect populations without regard to organism fitness.

• Option A: The earthquake is a random geological event causing allopatric speciation randomly.
• Option B: Mutations are random changes in DNA, so this is a random process.
• Option C: A long winter is a random environmental event that shifts the birds' range by chance.
• Option D: This mutation gives a fitness advantage (better seed dispersal leading to population growth), which is natural selection—a non-random process where traits that improve fitness are favored.

Answer:

D. a mutation results in a population of trees that spread their seeds more widely than their peers, causing their population to grow.