Which concept best describes how species arise from shared ancestors through gradual change?

• A. The sun revolves around the Earth
• B. Acquired traits are inherited
• C. Species are immutable
• D. Species evolving from shared ancestors

Answer: (D)

Descent with modification is the idea being tested: species arise from common ancestors and accumulate small, heritable changes over many generations until populations diverge enough to form new species. This gradual accumulation of differences—through variation, inheritance, and processes like natural selection and drift—explains how related species share roots yet become distinct over time.

The other statements don’t fit this view. One describes a geocentric model that isn’t supported by biology. Another invokes inherited acquired traits, which modern genetics does not support. The final option posits that species are immutable, which contradicts the observed and supported idea of evolutionary change over time.