Q. How might an evolutionary biologist why a species of salamander becomes blind after colonizing a cave?
A) It is possible that in the cave there is a source of pollution that increases the mutation rate for a gene that makes salamanders blind. Over time, due to exposure to this chemical, the members of the population lose their sight
B) Members of the ancestral population that colonized the cave differed in their ability to see. If maintaining the ability to see in the cave was a waste of energy, blind salamanders might actually have more offspring than those who could see
C) There is no to explain this in terms of natural selection
D) The members of this salamander species no longer needed to use their eyes. Over time, due to the lack of use, they lost the ability to see
Explanation
Nature select an organism which have an advantage to the particular given environment. Members of the ancestral salamander population that colonized the cave differed in their abilities. In caves, the eyes are of no use. So in that condition blind salamander were selected over the salamanders having eyes
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.