Question

which phrase best completes the sentence? according to the modern synthesis of evolution, ____________. only populations of identical individuals can evolve species do not descend from common ancestors the processes seen on earth today are the same ones that took place long ago genetics and mutation generate some of the variety that natural selection acts on

Explanation:

• In modern synthesis of evolution, genetic variation (from genetics and mutation) is the raw material for natural selection.
• Populations with identical individuals cannot evolve as there is no variation for selection to act on.
• Species do descend from common ancestors (contradicts evolutionary theory).
• The idea that processes today are same as long ago is more related to uniformitarianism (not the core of modern synthesis).

Answer:

genetics and mutation generate some of the variety that natural selection acts on