Forthcoming generation will be less adaptive than the present generation due to

Options

A. Natural selection
B. Mutation
C. Genetic drift
D. Adaptation

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks why future generations will be less adaptive than the present generation. This implies a need to evaluate the mechanisms of evolution and their impact on adaptability.

2. **Evaluating Options**:
- **Natural Selection**: This is the process where organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. It generally increases adaptability in a population over generations.
- **Mutation**: Mutations are changes in the genetic material that can introduce new traits. Some mutations can be beneficial, while others can be harmful or neutral. The key point is that mutations can lead to sudden changes that may not always be adaptive.
- **Genetic Drift**: This is a random process that can cause allele frequencies to change over generations, especially in small populations. It does not necessarily lead to increased adaptability and can lead to loss of genetic variation.
- **Adaptation**: This refers to the process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment. It generally increases the adaptability of a population.

3. **Identifying the Correct Answer**:
- Among the options, **mutation** is the most relevant to the question. While mutations can introduce new traits, many mutations can be harmful or neutral, leading to a decrease in overall adaptability in future generations. This is because not all mutations are beneficial, and the accumulation of harmful mutations can reduce the fitness of a population.

4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the forthcoming generation will be less adaptive than the present generation primarily due to the effects of mutation, which can introduce non-adaptive traits into the gene pool.

### Final Answer:
Forthcoming generations will be less adaptive than the present generation due to **mutation**.

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