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.
Answer
Brief Explanations:
Random evolutionary processes are driven by chance events, not traits that improve survival/reproduction.
- Option A: Earthquake is a random geographic barrier.
- Option B: Mutations are random genetic changes.
- Option C: Long winter is a random environmental event.
- Option D: The mutation gives a reproductive advantage (wider seed spread) leading to population growth, which 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.