Question

The term evolution in biology means that
A. Fossils are old
B. Life began in sea
C. Living things constantly change
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Evolution can be defined as the change in the heritable characteristics of a biological population over generations. These heritable characteristics are passed on from one generation to another by a vehicle called the gene. The expression of this gene is responsible for particular characters of the organism.

Complete answer:
The main force of evolution is mutation. When there is a change in the gene composition on a chromosome, it is called a mutation. The mutation may be inheritable or non- inheritable. If the mutation occurs in a somatic cell, then it will not be inherited to the next generation. But if the mutation occurs in germ cells i.e. in sperms or eggs, then the mutation will be inherited to the next generation. The mutation creates a new genetic variation in the gene pool of the organism. In the case of sexually reproducing organisms, there is continuous flow of genes from one generation to another. Gene flow will increase if the organism migrates to different areas, creating new genetic combinations. This will slowly lead to the evolution of a new organism from the existing one.
Fossils are formed as a result of the compression of materials such as plants or animals under the soil or rock. Over the years, as time passes, the amount of sediment adding to the layer will compress the material in such a way that it is transformed into a fossil. For the formation of fossils, it takes millions of years. The temperature, force, and soil are important factors for the formation of fossils.
Recently scientists have hypothesized that life originated from the deep-sea hydrothermal vent. The chemicals and the energy produced by these vents fueled the chemical reaction that was necessary for evolution. Living things that sexually reproduce will exhibit mutation that will be transformed from one generation to another. In the course of time, this will lead to evolution. The term evolution in biology means living things constantly change.
The correct answer is option C.

Note: In the case of asexually reproducing organisms, their offsprings will be identical to the parent. The composition of the genetic material is the same as that of the parent. These organisms do not show many mutations and hence the evolution, in this case, is very less.