AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Mutations are the source of new variation. Natural selection itself does not create new traits; it only changes the proportion of variation that is already present in the population. The repeated two-step interaction of these processes is what leads to the evolution of novel adaptive features.

Detailed explanation-2: -Darwin did not know that genes existed, but he could see that many traits are heritable-passed from parents to offspring. Mutations are changes in the structure of the molecules that make up genes, called DNA. The mutation of genes is an important source of genetic variation within a population.

Detailed explanation-3: -Evolution, in this context, is both a fact and a theory. It is an incontrovertible fact that organisms have changed, or evolved, during the history of life on Earth. And biologists have identified and investigated mechanisms that can explain the major patterns of change.

Detailed explanation-4: -Answer and Explanation: The correct answer is (B) He was the first to outline the modern theory of evolution.