all of these are examples of random evolutionary processes except \na. \nan earthquake divides a single elk…

all of these are examples of random evolutionary processes except \na. \nan earthquake divides a single elk species into two populations, forcing \nthem to no longer interbreed. \n\nb. \na mutation in a flower plant results in a new variety. \n\nc. \nan especially long winter causes a group of migrating birds to shift their \nhome range. \n\nd. \na mutation results in a population of trees that spread their seeds more \nwidely than their peers, causing their population to grow.

all of these are examples of random evolutionary processes except \na. \nan earthquake divides a single elk species into two populations, forcing \nthem to no longer interbreed. \n\nb. \na mutation in a flower plant results in a new variety. \n\nc. \nan especially long winter causes a group of migrating birds to shift their \nhome range. \n\nd. \na mutation results in a population of trees that spread their seeds more \nwidely than their peers, causing their population to grow.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

Random evolutionary processes are driven by chance events, not traits that improve survival/reproduction.

  • Option A: Earthquake splitting populations is random (genetic drift via geographic isolation).
  • Option B: Mutation is a random genetic change.
  • Option C: A long winter shifting range is a random environmental event.
  • Option D: The mutation leads to better seed dispersal, which increases the population's success due to a fitness advantage—this is natural selection, a non-random process favoring beneficial traits.

Answer:

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