Question

all of these are examples of random evolutionary processes except
a. an earthquake divides a single elk species into two populations, forcing them to no longer interbreed.
b. a mutation in a flower plant results in a new variety.
c an especially long winter causes a group of migrating birds to shift their home range.
d. a mutation results in a population of trees that spread their seeds more widely than their peers, causing their population to grow.

Explanation:

Random evolutionary processes (e.g., genetic drift, mutation, geographic isolation) are not driven by adaptive advantage. Option D describes a mutation that gives a seed-spreading advantage, leading to population growth—this is natural selection, a non-random process based on fitness. Other options involve random events (earthquake, mutation without stated advantage, long winter shift).

Answer:

D. a mutation results in a population of trees that spread their seeds more widely than their peers, causing their population to grow.