What drives evolution according to modern theory?

• A. Inherited characteristics can be passed down as acquired traits.
• B. Spontaneous generation without genetic change
• C. Genetic changes occur due to random chance with no environmental influence
• D. Changes in genetic material due to environmental factors that are passed across generations.

Answer: (D)

Evolution is driven by heritable changes in genetic material that lead to different frequencies of variants in a population over generations. Genetic diversity arises through mutations and recombination, and natural selection shifts which variants are more successful in a given environment. The environment influences which traits are favored, so the genetic changes that do get passed on become more common over time. While environment can affect which variants are advantageous, the key idea is that inherited genetic changes are what accumulate across generations, shaping evolution. Acquired traits from experience aren’t generally passed down, so the focus on heritable genetic changes best captures how evolution operates.