1. Which of these BEST describes our current understanding about how species evolve over time?

A. As organisms use certain traits more frequently, each organism evolves overtime.

B. Populations of organisms evolve rapidly due to genetic changes brought about by random mating patterns.

C. Traits that result in a greater number of mutations occur more frequently, causing the population to evolve.

D. Populations evolve as natural selection results in a change in the frequency of alleles within the population over time.

2. A change in a sequence of DNA bases in a bacterial cell has resulted in a mutation. This mutation has increased the ability of the bacteria to break down and digest organic molecules in the environment. Bacteria with this mutation are better able to find and utilize food sources. According to the theory of natural selection, what is MOST likely to occur in future generations of this bacteria.

A. The relative frequency of the mutation will increase as time passes.

B. Because the mutation has changed the DNA of the bacteria, a new species will be formed.

C. Because the mutation is abnormal, the mutation will become more rare with every passing generation.

D. Bacteria with the mutation will increase in number until the good supply is exhausted, causing the bacteria to become extinct.