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 (like genetic drift, founder effect, mutation without selection) are random. Option D describes a mutation that gives a survival/reproductive advantage (spreading seeds more widely, population growth), so it's natural selection (non - random, as it's based on fitness). A: Earthquake - driven separation (founder effect, random). B: Mutation (random, no selection implied). C: Long winter - driven range shift (random environmental change affecting population, random process).

Answer:

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