Question

Neo-Darwinism is-
A) Genetic recombination, differential reproduction and natural selection.
B) Mutation only
C) Natural selection only
D) None of the above

Answer 1

As the name suggests, Neo-Darwinism must be related to modification of theories proposed by Charles Darwin. In this, principles of Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel are collectively studied.

Complete Answer:
- The modern blend of Darwinian evolution through natural selection with Mendelian genetics is called Neo-Darwinism.
- It describes integration of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection and Gregor Mendel's theory of genetics.
- The evolution involved in the transmission of characteristics from parent to progeny through the mechanism of gene transfer is the main area of interest of Neo-Darwinism.
- Darwin proposed a selection mechanism for evolution, but he could not explain the mechanism of trait transfer. It basically explains about genetic recombination, differential reproduction and natural selection.

Thus, the correct answer is option A. Genetic recombination, differential reproduction and natural selection.

Additional information:
Darwinism- it is an evolutionary theory stating that “all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce”, also known as Darwinian theory. It also included the concepts of transmutation of species and evolution which Darwin published as “On the Origin of Species”.

Mendelian Inheritance- The principles of Mendelian inheritance were named by Gregor Johann Mendel, he was a Moravian monk who illustrated his ideas by conducting simple hybridisation experiments on pea plants (Pisum sativum) in his garden. He proposed 3 laws, today known as Mendel’s laws.

On the basis of his experiments, he concluded that:
- Characters have discrete factors.
- Characters are present as alternate forms and are inherited from parents, one from each parent. He named them alleles.
- Alleles are present as pairs where one dominates the other which is recessive.
- Random segregation causes formation of gametes.
- Different characters sort independently.

Note: Principles of Darwin and Mendel together formulates Neo-Darwinism. It is based on Gene recombination, reproduction of differential type and theory of natural selection.