Question

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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 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 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

meiosis
meiosis

fertilization
fertilization

binary fission
binary fission

mitosis


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

is a disadvantageous mutation.
is a disadvantageous mutation.

does not impact evolution.
does not impact evolution.

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

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

A banana tree branch is planted, producing a clone of the parent tree
A banana tree branch is planted, producing a clone of the parent tree

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

Corn is genetically modified and cloned to make identical crops

Which type of environment would tend to reduce genetic variation in a population because of evolution by natural selection?(1 point)
Responses

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

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

an ocean ecosystem that is becoming more acidic

Answer 1

Here are the answers to each of the questions based on the scenarios provided:

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.
- **Explanation:** Decreased sexual reproduction leads to fewer combinations of alleles in the offspring, which reduces genetic variation.

2. **Two of the main drivers of genetic variation are mutations and genetic recombination. During which process can these two events occur?**
- **Response:** meiosis.
- **Explanation:** Meiosis is the process that produces gametes and includes both mutation and genetic recombination (crossing over).

3. **If a fish is able to breathe outside of water but does not reproduce, that trait:**
- **Response:** does not impact evolution.
- **Explanation:** A trait that does not get passed on to the next generation (due to lack of reproduction) will 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.
- **Explanation:** This variation among offspring can lead to differential survival and reproduction, which is a key component of natural selection.

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.
- **Explanation:** A harsh environment like a severe drought may quickly eliminate individuals that are less adapted, leading to a homogenization of traits and a reduction in genetic variation.

Feel free to ask if you have any further questions or need clarifications!