In 1986,a nuclear power accident in Chernobyl,USSR (now the Ukraine),led to high radiation levels for miles surrounding the plant.The high levels of radiation caused elevated mutation rates in the surviving organisms,and evolutionary biologists have been studying rodent populations in the Chernobyl area ever since.Based on your understanding of evolutionary mechanisms,which of the following most likely occurred in the rodent populations following the accident?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The high radiation levels from the nuclear power accident likely caused mutations in the rodent populations, which increased genetic variation. This increased variation may have allowed some individuals to survive and reproduce in the new environment. Over time, natural selection could act on this genetic variation, potentially leading to adaptation to the new conditions.

In 1986,a Nuclear Power Accident in Chernobyl,USSR (Now the Ukraine),led