NEETZoologyEvolution
According to Hugo de Vries, how do mutations compare to Darwinian variations?
Options
- AMutations are small and directional, while Darwinian variations are large and random
- BMutations are random and directionless, while Darwinian variations are small and directional
- CMutations are gradual, while Darwinian variations are sudden
- DBoth mutations and Darwinian variations are gradual
Correct answer
B. Mutations are random and directionless, while Darwinian variations are small and directional
Step-by-step solution
What is the origin of this variation and how does speciation occur? Even though Mendel had talked of inheritable 'factors' influencing phenotype, Darwin either ignored these observations or kept silence. In the first decade of the twentieth century, Hugo deVries based his work on evening primrose brought forth the idea of mutations – large differences arising suddenly in a population. He believed that it is mutation which causes evolution and not the minor variations (heritable) that Darwin talked about. Mutations