Describe what is meant by adaptive and nonadaptive evolution. Which type of evolution might be ...

Adaptive evolution implies that one form reproduces in greater numbers than others in a population because of being better adapted to the conditions driving natural selection. Finch beak shape is an example of adaptive evolution. Nonadaptive evolution describes the evolution of characteristics that are reproductively equivalent to other forms in the population. Nonadaptive traits are neutral with respect to natural selection, conferring neither a selective advantage nor a selective disadvantage to their bearer (e.g., attached versus detached earlobes).