The incorrect statement is (b) “Reduction in weight of the organism due to starvation is genetically controlled” because weight loss from starvation is not a genetic change, but rather a result of environmental conditions.
Explanation:
Evolution is defined as a change in the frequency of alleles in a population over generations. Statement (a) correctly describes this.
Genetic traits are passed down from parents to offspring. While it is possible for low-weight parents to have high-weight offspring due to genetic variations, this doesn’t contradict the concept of evolution.
Traits that are not inherited do not contribute to evolutionary change. This statement is also correct, as evolution relies on the transmission of genetic variations across generations.
Key point: Changes in phenotype due to environmental factors (like starvation) are not considered genetic changes and therefore do not contribute to evolution.