Forthcoming generations are less adaptive than their parental generation due to : -

136 2001 AIPMT EvolutionMutation and Variation Hard
Forthcoming generations are less adaptive than their parental generation due to : -
A Natural selection
B Mutation
C Genetic drift
D Adaptation

Detailed Solution

Most new mutations are harmful or neutral; only a few are beneficial.
If harmful mutations accumulate in a population, the offspring may be less fit (less adaptive) than their parents.
Natural selection and adaptation increase fitness, so they cannot be the cause.
So, as per the answer key, the next generations become less adaptive than the parental generation due to mutation.

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