AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Genetic variations can arise from gene variants (also called mutations) or from a normal process in which genetic material is rearranged as a cell is getting ready to divide (known as genetic recombination). Genetic variations that alter gene activity or protein function can introduce different traits in an organism.

Detailed explanation-2: -Genetic Drift. Genetic drift is the change in frequency of an existing gene variant in the population due to random chance.

Detailed explanation-3: -A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. Mutations can result from errors in DNA replication during cell division, exposure to mutagens or a viral infection.

Detailed explanation-4: -The mechanisms of evolution-like natural selection and genetic drift-work with the random variation generated by mutation.

Detailed explanation-5: -Mutations result either from errors in DNA replication or from the damaging effects of mutagens, such as chemicals and radiation, which react with DNA and change the structures of individual nucleotides.