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Multiple Choice
Which two processes increase genetic variation in a population?
A
Natural selection and gene flow
B
Mutation and genetic drift
C
Mutation and recombination
D
Genetic drift and recombination
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that genetic variation is crucial for the adaptability and evolution of a population. It provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.
Recognize that mutation is a process that introduces new genetic variations by altering DNA sequences. Mutations can create new alleles, which contribute to genetic diversity.
Learn that recombination, which occurs during meiosis, is another process that increases genetic variation. It involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, leading to new combinations of alleles.
Differentiate between the processes listed: Natural selection does not increase genetic variation; it acts on existing variation. Gene flow can introduce new alleles into a population from another population, but it is not as direct as mutation and recombination.
Identify that genetic drift is a random process that can lead to changes in allele frequencies, but it does not introduce new genetic variation. Therefore, the processes that directly increase genetic variation are mutation and recombination.