Which of the following scenarios will decrease the genetic variation of a population?(1 point)

Question

Responses

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

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
Two of the main drivers of genetic variation are mutations and genetic recombination. During which process can these two events occur?(1 point)
Responses

mitosis
mitosis

meiosis
meiosis

fertilization
fertilization

binary fission
If a fish is able to breathe outside of water but does not reproduce, that trait(1 point)
Responses

will be inherited by other fish.
will be inherited by other fish.

does not impact evolution.
does not impact evolution.

will be acquired by other fish.
will be acquired by other fish.

is a disadvantageous mutation.
is a disadvantageous mutation.
In which of the following scenarios would evolution by natural selection take place?(1 point)
Responses

Penguins reproduce sexually, producing offspring that look different from one another
Penguins reproduce sexually, producing offspring that look different from one another

Microorganisms reproduce asexually, producing identical offspring
Microorganisms reproduce asexually, producing identical offspring

Corn is genetically modified and cloned to make identical crops
Corn is genetically modified and cloned to make identical crops

A banana tree branch is planted, producing a clone of the parent tree
Which type of environment would tend to reduce genetic variation in a population because of evolution by natural selection?(1 point)
Responses

a tropical rainforest that is being deforested for farmland
a tropical rainforest that is being deforested for farmland

grasslands that are undergoing severe drought
grasslands that are undergoing severe drought

an old growth forest with trees that are over 1,500 years old
an old growth forest with trees that are over 1,500 years old

an ocean ecosystem that is becoming more acidic

Answer 1

Let's analyze each of your questions one by one:

1. Which of the following scenarios will decrease the genetic variation of a population?

   • Response: a population of birds suddenly decrease their frequency of sexual reproduction.
     • Decreasing sexual reproduction reduces genetic variation because sexual reproduction is a major source of genetic diversity due to the mixing of alleles from two parents.

2. Two of the main drivers of genetic variation are mutations and genetic recombination. During which process can these two events occur?

   • Response: meiosis.
     • Meiosis is the process that leads to the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells) and includes both genetic recombination (crossing over) and mutation.

3. If a fish is able to breathe outside of water but does not reproduce, that trait:

   • Response: does not impact evolution.
     • Traits that are not passed on to the next generation (i.e., traits of individuals that do not reproduce) do not contribute to evolution.

4. In which of the following scenarios would evolution by natural selection take place?

   • Response: Penguins reproduce sexually, producing offspring that look different from one another.
     • Sexual reproduction leading to variation among offspring can provide a basis for natural selection to act upon, allowing certain traits to be favored in the population.

5. Which type of environment would tend to reduce genetic variation in a population because of evolution by natural selection?

   • Response: grasslands that are undergoing severe drought.
     • Severe drought can create strong selective pressure, favoring certain traits over others, and can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity if many individuals with less favorable traits die off.

If you need any more help or clarification, feel free to ask!