42. (2 points) What is an outgroup and how does the inclusion of an outgroup hel

Question

42. (2 points) What is an outgroup and how does the inclusion of an outgroup help to clarify the relationships among species in the ingroup (those whose evolutionary relationships we are trying to discern). 43. (2 points) Would you expect natural selection to favor a rapid mutation rate in population living in an extremely stable environment or a rapidly changing environment. Briefly explain 44. (2 points) Why is natural selection important to the long- term persistence of populations? 45. (1point) Why can't natural selection result in perfection? 46. (2pts) List at least four lines of evidence that support the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Explanation / Answer

Outgroup can be defined as a group, in which organisms do not belong to the group in question, the evolutionary relationship of which is being investigated. The outgroup organism is used as a comparison such that the researcher would be able to assess the characteristic of this organism and compare it with the characteristics of other organisms belonging to a separate evolutionary branch. Natural selection is the process that is involved in selecting the species that can survive in mist of the adverse conditions. Natural selection will only chose the mutant species if the mutation will prove to be beneficial to the organism such that the species could survive in both stable environment as well as a rapidly changing environment. Natural selection is important in long term persistence of populations since natural selection choses the organisms that are best able to survive in a given environment, “survival of the fittest”, without being completely wiped off due to environmental pressures. Since, natural selection would select for the most fit organisms, thus allowing long term persistence, Natural selection cannot result in perfection because natural selection is not creating organisms on its own. It only selects on the organisms that already exist and these would be adapted to reproduce and survive.

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