Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

22. Evolution of Populations

Genetic Variation

General Biology

22. Evolution of Populations

Genetic Variation

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2:12 minutes

Problem 7

Textbook Question

The heritable differences among organisms are a result of:
a. Differences in their DNA
b. Mutation
c. Differences in alleles
d. A and B are correct
e. A, B, and C are correct

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the question. The problem is asking about the sources of heritable differences among organisms. These differences are traits that can be passed from one generation to the next.

Step 2: Recall the role of DNA. DNA is the molecule that carries genetic information. Differences in DNA sequences among individuals can lead to heritable differences.

Step 3: Consider the role of mutations. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence. They can introduce new genetic variations, which can be inherited if they occur in reproductive cells.

Step 4: Understand alleles. Alleles are different versions of a gene. Variations in alleles contribute to heritable differences among organisms.

Step 5: Evaluate the options. Option A refers to differences in DNA, option B refers to mutations, and option C refers to differences in alleles. Since all three contribute to heritable differences, the correct answer is option E: A, B, and C are correct.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

DNA and Heritability

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the hereditary material in organisms, containing the genetic instructions for development, functioning, growth, and reproduction. Variations in DNA sequences among individuals contribute to heritable differences, influencing traits passed from parents to offspring.

Mutation

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can occur due to errors during DNA replication or as a result of environmental factors. These alterations can lead to new traits and contribute to genetic diversity within a population, making them a key source of heritable differences.

Alleles

Alleles are different versions of a gene that arise from mutations and can result in variations in traits among individuals. The combination of alleles inherited from both parents determines an organism's genotype and can influence its phenotype, contributing to the heritable differences observed in populations.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

If nucleotides from the DNA of a human were quantified and 30 percent of them contained the base adenine, what percentage of them would contain the base guanine?

a. 20 percent

b. 30 percent

c. 40 percent

d. 70 percent

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Textbook Question

If an allele is recessive and lethal in homozygotes before they reproduce,

a. The allele will be removed from the population by natural selection in approximately 1,000 years.

b. The allele will likely remain in the population at a low frequency because it cannot be selected against in heterozygotes.

c. The fitness of the homozygous recessive genotype is 0.

d. Both b and c are correct.

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Textbook Question

In the 1700s and 1800s, royalty in Europe often married their close relatives; furthermore, recessive genetic diseases such as hemophilia showed up much more often among royals than in the general population. Explain the likely connection.

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Textbook Question

Explain why continuous growth enhances the phenomenon known as phenotypic plasticity.

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Textbook Question

According to the RNA world model, a ribozyme would replicate by creating a double-stranded RNA intermediate. Would you expect the intermediate to have the same catalytic activity as the original ribozyme? Justify your answer with an explanation.

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Textbook Question

A new plant species C, which formed from hybridization of species A(2n = 16) with species B(2n = 12), would probably produce gametes with a chromosome number of

a. 12.

b. 14.

c. 16.

d. 28.

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Textbook Question

Draw a small concept map showing how selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation relate to genetic variation.

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Textbook Question

The risks faced by small populations include