How did Spiegelman et al.'s experiment on the origins of natural selection provide evidence for natural selection in an RNA-based world?
A) The RNA was originally $\backsim$ 4,000 nucleotides; after several serial transfers it was reduced to $\backsim$ 200 nucleotides as a result of faster replication of shorter sequences being advantageous.
B) The RNA sequence was originally $\backsim$ 4,000 nucleotides; after several serial transfers it increased to $\backsim$ 20,000 nucleotides as a result of faster replication of longer sequences being advantageous.
C) The experiment did not demonstrate natural selection.
D) The RNA remained at approximately is original sequence of $\backsim$ 4,000 nucleotides, demonstrating fitness in a stable environment.

Question

How did Spiegelman et al.'s experiment on the origins of natural selection provide evidence for natural selection in an RNA-based world?
A) The RNA was originally $\backsim$  4,000 nucleotides; after several serial transfers it was reduced to $\backsim$  200 nucleotides as a result of faster replication of shorter sequences being advantageous.
B) The RNA sequence was originally $\backsim$  4,000 nucleotides; after several serial transfers it increased to $\backsim$  20,000 nucleotides as a result of faster replication of longer sequences being advantageous.
C) The experiment did not demonstrate natural selection.
D) The RNA remained at approximately is original sequence of $\backsim$  4,000 nucleotides, demonstrating fitness in a stable environment.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spiegelman et al.'s experiment demonstrated natural selection by showing that shorter RNA sequences replicated faster and had a selective advantage in a resource-limited environment. Over time, the original RNA sequence was reduced to a shorter sequence, providing evidence for the role of natural selection in shaping RNA sequences in an RNA-based world. Choice B is incorrect because the experiment did not show an increase in the length of the RNA sequence. Choice C is incorrect because the experiment did demonstrate natural selection. Choice D is incorrect because the RNA sequence did not remain stable but instead evolved through natural selection.

How Did Spiegelman Et Al ∽\backsim∽ 4,000 Nucleotides; After Several Serial Transfers It Was Reduced To Natural

How Did Spiegelman Et Al $\backsim$ 4,000 Nucleotides; After Several Serial Transfers It Was Reduced To Natural