You notice that you and your siblings look alike in some ways, but are very different in other ways. One of your brothers has freckles, but you and your other siblings do not. Your sister has blonde hair while the rest of you have brown hair. All of you have brown eyes. There are several things that account for the genetic variation between related individuals. Look at the diagram. What is happening in the green circle marked "A" and what impact does it have on genetic variation?

Question

Responses
A Recombination or "crossing over" is occurring which increases genetic combinations in the gametes.Recombination or "crossing over" is occurring which increases genetic combinations in the gametes.
B Recombination or "crossing over" is occurring which decreases genetic combinations in the gametes.Recombination or "crossing over" is occurring which decreases genetic combinations in the gametes.
C Mutations occurred which changed the genes in the chromosomes, resulting in gametes that are identical.Mutations occurred which changed the genes in the chromosomes, resulting in gametes that are identical.
D Mutations occurred which changed the genes in the chromosomes, resulting in more genetic diversity in the offspring.Mutations occurred which changed the genes in the chromosomes, resulting in more genetic diversity in the offspring.
Question 2
Genetic variation accounts for differences between individuals in a population. Which of these is NOT a cause of genetic variation?
Responses
A mutationmutation
B random fertilizationrandom fertilization
C asexual reproductionasexual reproduction
D crossing over or recombination

Answer 1

For Question 1, the correct response is:

A. Recombination or "crossing over" is occurring which increases genetic combinations in the gametes.

Recombination, also known as crossing over, occurs during the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells) in meiosis. It allows for the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, resulting in new combinations of genes, which increases genetic variation among offspring.

For Question 2, the option that is NOT a cause of genetic variation is:

C. asexual reproduction.

Asexual reproduction typically produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent (clones), which does not increase genetic variation. In contrast, mutations, random fertilization, and crossing over are all mechanisms that can lead to genetic variation in sexually reproducing populations.