Question

which of these statements best sums up evolution?
rapid change in species habits and features
rapid development of vestigial structures in a species
change in a population through new species being made
change in a population through genetic variation over time

Explanation:

Evolution is a slow - paced process that occurs over generations. It involves changes in a population due to genetic variation.

• The first option “rapid change in species' habits and features” is incorrect as evolution is not rapid.
• The second option “rapid development of vestigial structures in a species” is wrong because vestigial structure development (if any) is not the essence of evolution and evolution is not rapid.
• The third option “change in a population through new species being made” is not a comprehensive definition. While new species formation (speciation) can be part of evolution, evolution also includes micro - evolutionary changes within a population that may not lead to new species immediately.
• The fourth option “change in a population through genetic variation over time” is correct as it encompasses the key aspects of evolution: population - level change, genetic basis, and the time - scale over which it occurs.

Answer:

change in a population through genetic variation over time