AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Genetic variations that alter gene activity or protein function can introduce different traits in an organism. If a trait is advantageous and helps the individual survive and reproduce, the genetic variation is more likely to be passed to the next generation (a process known as natural selection).

Detailed explanation-2: -Genetic variation is the difference in DNA sequences between individuals within a population. Variation occurs in germ cells i.e. sperm and egg, and also in somatic (all other) cells.

Detailed explanation-3: -Variants can affect one or more DNA building blocks (nucleotides) in a gene. Gene variants can be inherited from a parent or occur during a person’s lifetime: Inherited (or hereditary) variants are passed from parent to child and are present throughout a person’s life in virtually every cell in the body.

Detailed explanation-4: -Mutations, the changes in the sequences of genes in DNA, are one source of genetic variation. Another source is gene flow, or the movement of genes between different groups of organisms.

Detailed explanation-5: -A genetically diverse population of individuals is more likely to survive than a population of individuals with similar genetic makeup. Variation allows some individuals within a population to adapt to the changing environment and natural selection allows the expression of those beneficial traits to persist.