To determine which option would lead to increased genetic variation in offspring, let's analyze each response:
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A crossing over event during mitosis that creates a new combination of alleles in a somatic cell: This is incorrect because crossing over primarily occurs during meiosis, not mitosis, and does not affect genetic variation in offspring since somatic cells do not contribute to offspring.
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Reproduction during asexual reproduction that results in genetically identical offspring: This is also incorrect, as asexual reproduction typically does not increase genetic variation, producing clones rather than genetically diverse offspring.
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Independent assortment of chromosomes during mitosis that creates a new combination of alleles: This is misleading because independent assortment mainly occurs during meiosis. During mitosis, the chromosomes are duplicated and evenly split into two identical daughter cells.
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A DNA replication error in a gamete of an individual during meiosis: This option is the most accurate. A DNA replication error during meiosis can introduce mutations, which can create new alleles and enhance genetic variation in the resulting gametes, leading to greater diversity in offspring.
Therefore, the correct response is:
A DNA replication error in a gamete of an individual during meiosis.
1 answer