Question

which is true, about evolution?

evolution means the same as progress, which implies that populations get better over time.

evolution is a genetic change in the population.

evolution means the same thing as natural selection.

evolution can create small genetic differences, but it cannot create big enough changes to cause speciation.

Explanation:

• Option 1: Evolution is not equivalent to progress. Evolution is about genetic change in populations over time, and "better" is subjective (e.g., traits are adaptive to the environment, not inherently better). So this is false.
• Option 2: By definition, evolution is a change in the genetic composition (allele frequencies) of a population over successive generations. This is the correct definition.
• Option 3: Natural selection is a mechanism (process) that drives evolution. Evolution is the result of various mechanisms (natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, mutation), so they are not the same. This is false.
• Option 4: Evolution can lead to significant genetic changes over time, and cumulative small changes can result in speciation (the formation of new species). So this is false.

Answer:

B. Evolution is a genetic change in the population.