AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Genetic variation can be caused by mutation (which can create entirely new alleles in a population), random mating, random fertilization, and recombination between homologous chromosomes during meiosis (which reshuffles alleles within an organism’s offspring).

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -Genetic variation is increased by meiosis During fertilisation, 1 gamete from each parent combines to form a zygote. Because of recombination and independent assortment in meiosis, each gamete contains a different set of DNA. This produces a unique combination of genes in the resulting zygote.

Detailed explanation-4: -Genetic recombination is a process that occurs during meiosis, which is the type of cell division that produces gametes. During this process, homologous chromosomes pair up and form a unit called a tetrad. The chromosomes can then cross over and exchange genetic material, which results in new combinations of alleles.