What trait would NOT significantly influence the rate of evolution in a population?

Prepare for your Arizona State University (ASU) BIO345 Evolution Exam 1. Study with comprehensive resources, including flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The trait that would not significantly influence the rate of evolution in a population is long generation time. Evolutionary change is heavily influenced by the processes of mutation, genetic drift, and natural selection. A high mutation rate, small population size, and strong selection coefficient all contribute to faster evolutionary changes because they increase the potential for genetic variation and the impact of selection pressures.

Long generation times, on the other hand, mean that it takes longer for new generations to arise. This can slow down the rate at which evolutionary changes accumulate within a population. While evolution still occurs over time, a longer generation time can limit the speed of evolutionary response to environmental changes because fewer generations are produced over a given time frame. Therefore, while generation time is important, it does not accelerate the process of evolution in the same way that the other factors do.

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