The claim provided is primarily accurate. Inheritable genetic variations among organisms do indeed arise significantly from the processes of crossing-over and independent assortment during meiosis. These processes shuffle genetic material, creating new combinations of alleles that can be passed on to the next generation.
Let's evaluate the responses:
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False, because genetic variations are mainly caused by mutations that occur during mitosis.
- This is incorrect; while mutations can contribute to genetic variation, the statement does not accurately capture the role of meiosis.
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False, because genetic variations are mainly caused by mutations that occur during mitosis.
- This is a repeat of the first option and still incorrect.
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False, because inheritable variations are only the result of environmental influences on gene expression.
- This is misleading. While environmental factors can influence gene expression and phenotypic variation, inheritable variations are not solely a result of environmental influences; genetic mechanisms play a significant role.
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True, because meiosis includes these mechanisms to reshuffle genes.
- This is the correct response. Meiosis contributes to genetic variation through crossing-over and independent assortment.
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True, but only in bacterial populations that reproduce asexually.
- This is misleading. Bacteria typically reproduce asexually, but the claim pertains to genetic variation in a broader context, including sexually reproducing organisms, where meiosis plays a key role.
Given this evaluation, the most accurate response is: True, because meiosis includes these mechanisms to reshuffle genes.