The hypothesis of neutral evolution asserts that
A) the rate of molecular mutation is influenced by natural selection.
B) most variability in the structure of molecules does not affect their functioning.
C) closely related species have more similar molecular structures than do distantly related species.
D) organisms evolved through neutral changes in their molecules.
E) mutations neither add nor subtract amino acids from molecules.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hypothesis of neutral evolution suggests that most variability in the structure of molecules is neutral and does not affect their functioning. This means that mutations may occur without any significant effect on an organism's survival or reproductive success, and these mutations may accumulate over time to produce molecular differences between related species that have no functional significance.

The Hypothesis of Neutral Evolution Asserts That