Question

Each student in a class of 30 carefully measures the length and width of 20 peanuts shells. They also count the number and measured size of the peanuts inside. This information is recorded on various graphs showing the numbers of shells and nuts of different sizes. The collected evidence of the peanuts gives the students an idea of the extent of

A- natural selection with a species

B- variation within a species c- evolution within a species D- speciation from a species

Answer 1

B)variation within a species

All the peanuts are from the same species,and collected from similar conditions (location,area from where they are grown) So, only their varying nut sizes and their frequency can be compared.

No variation in color,shape is studied- speciation from a species with new inheritable characteristics

Peanuts from successive generations (modified from climatic changes) not being studied so its not about evolution.Atleast species from varying climatic conditions must be studied for differentiating evolutionary change.

Phenotypes of the peanuts with a definite size having higher frequency is the naturally selected ones(more suitable for survival).As the peanuts are all existing and are not extinct,so this theory doesn't go with the research going on in the class.