Question

page 12 of 12 Genetic Variation and Evolution Quick Check 1 of 51 of 5 Items Question Which of the following scenarios will decrease the genetic variation of a population?(1 point) Responses a mutation in a chromosome makes it more likely to undergo genetic recombination a mutation in a chromosome makes it more likely to undergo genetic recombination a population of birds suddenly decrease their frequency of sexual reproduction a population of birds suddenly decrease their frequency of sexual reproduction an individual works out, increasing their muscle mass an individual works out, increasing their muscle mass a mutation alters the sequence of a gene resulting in a new allele a mutation alters the sequence of a gene resulting in a new allele Skip to navigation

Answer 1

To determine which scenario decreases the genetic variation of a population, we can analyze each response:

1. **A mutation in a chromosome makes it more likely to undergo genetic recombination.** - This would likely increase genetic variation since recombination creates new combinations of alleles.

2. **A population of birds suddenly decreases their frequency of sexual reproduction.** - Sexual reproduction contributes to genetic variation by mixing different alleles. A decrease in sexual reproduction would likely lead to less mixing of genetic material, thus decreasing genetic variation.

3. **An individual works out, increasing their muscle mass.** - While this may lead to physical changes in the individual, it does not affect the genetic variation of the population since these changes are not heritable.

4. **A mutation alters the sequence of a gene resulting in a new allele.** - This scenario introduces a new allele into the population, thereby increasing genetic variation.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer is:

**A population of birds suddenly decreases their frequency of sexual reproduction.**