A disaster such as a meltdown in a nuclear power plant requires close examination of potential impacts on organisms. Which of the following would be useful to biologists in such a situation?
A) Use a molecular clock to time the divergence of species in an area from those far away.
B) Measure continental drift to determine if the disaster had accelerated movement of continents.
C) Use radiometric dating to determine if new species are forming.
D) Examine the mutation rate of species in the area.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Examining the mutation rate of species in the affected area would be useful in determining the potential impacts of a nuclear disaster. Mutations can occur as a result of exposure to radiation, and studying these mutations can give insight into the effects on different species. The other options are not relevant to analyzing the impacts of a nuclear disaster on organisms.

A Disaster Such as a Meltdown in a Nuclear Power