Question

Can someone explain the difference between these 2 options [Darwin's theory]
a, The biological structures an organism is most likely to inherit from its parents are those that have become better suited to the environment through constant use

b, Slight variations among individuals significantly affect the chance that a given individual will survive in its environment and be able to reproduce.

Answer 1

a - if the parents have mixed DNA both for different things, the offspring will have a well suited DNA for the particular environment.

b - slight changes will affect the individual genetically and may not survive or be able to reproduce.

Answer 2

This question is about whether environmental influences directly affect genetic sequence and gene product function (the first option), or whether long genetic change occurs indirectly as chance mutations produce some traits which are better suited to a particular environment.

In the Darwinian sense (that is, the context of evolution), environment has no affect on genes. (Yes, environmental conditions like UV light and radiation affect genetic material, but let's not talk about that). The first option is like saying that because I live in a cold climate, my genes change and I become genetically better adapted at thermoregulation or storing fat or whatever. This is plainly ridiculous.

The second option says that slight differences between individuals has a big affect on their reproductive success. My boyfriend is exceptionally good looking (tall, curly hair) and exceptionally smart; really small differences, at a genetic level, between him and a less fit male, but they have a disproportionate effect on his projected reproductive success. This is classic Darwin.

Answer 3

nice example :) u made me laugh haha