The only source of new genetic variation (material) is / are _____ .

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which option correctly identifies the only source of new genetic variation (material).
Option a: bottlenecks. In reality, bottlenecks reduce genetic variation by drastically shrinking population size, so they do not introduce new genetic variation; they conserve existing variation and can even increase drift effects. Therefore this choice is incorrect.
Option b: mutations. Mutations are changes in DNA sequence that create new alleles and novel genetic variation not present in the population before the mutation occurred. This is the primary source of new genetic material on which evolution acts, making this option correct.
Option c: emergent. This term does not refer to a recognized mechanism of generating genetic variation. It’s vague and not a standard genetic concept for producing new variation, so this is incorrect.
Option d: assortative. Assortative mating affects genotype frequencies by changing which individuals mate with which, thus altering the distribution of existing variation, but it does not generate new genetic variation itself. Hence this is incorrect.
Option e: acquired. Acquired traits (changes acquired during an organism’s life) are not typically heritable and do not create new heritable genetic variation in the germline. Therefore this does not constitute a source of new genetic material, and is incorrect.
In summary, only mutations (option b) introduce new genetic material that can be inherited and acted upon by evolutionary processes. The other options describe processes that alter allele frequencies or variation indirectly or reduce variation, rather than creating new genetic variation.

BIO 181 (001&002) FALL 2025 FA25: Cumulative Exam 4 covers the most important content from Units 1-4: You can do this!!! : ) [Grade is out of 150/900 pts, the same am't of pts for the active learning "easy points" classwork.]

The only source of new genetic variation (material) is / are _____ .

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Question at position 43 Select any cause of mutations.Independent assortmentEnvironmental factorsRandom fertilizationErrors in DNA replication

Question at position 4 For all living organisms (excluding Viruses) changes to ________________ are mutations.DNA, RNA, and ProteinsRNADNA and ProteinsDNAProteins

Mutations result either from errors in DNA replication or from the damaging effects of __________, such as chemicals and radiation, which react with DNA and change the structure and arrangement of nucleotides.

Select the examples of gain‑of‑function mutations. (Select all that apply)

Which of the following is most likely to create genetic variation in a population?

True or false? Most DNA mutations have either a neutral or negative effect on the resulting RNA or protein product.

Which of the following occurs in all species of living organisms and may lead to an increase in genetic variation?

Alleles are variations in a genes nucleotide sequence at a specific locus. This is caused by ______.

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler