Fossil evidence suggests that many individuals of a fish species in an ancient lake in Death Valley, California, became several isolated species. Each of these new species
lived in a different pond and had different traits from each other. These different traits
most likely evolved from
DNA mutations in fish that lived in each pond, and provided
the populations with a unique advantage.

A. DNA mutations increase the genetic variation of the population. This gives natural selection
the opportunity to select for traits that give organisms an advantage in their environment.

B. DNA mutations only occur when species are in need of a new adaptation. This ensures
species are perfectly suited to their environment.

C. DNA mutations occur on demand when organisms need a new adaptation for a changing
environment. This gives species an adaptation that increases their chances of survival in their
environment.

D. DNA mutations decrease the genetic variation of the population. This allows evolution to
predict which traits will be needed within their environment.
no