AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Mutation is the ultimate source of all genetic variation, and is essential for evolution by natural selection: indeed, most of our genome has been shaped primarily by mutation and random drift.

Detailed explanation-2: -Mutations are changes in the genetic sequence, and they are a main cause of diversity among organisms.

Detailed explanation-3: -The ultimate source of all genetic variation is mutation. Mutation is important as the first step of evolution because it creates a new DNA sequence for a particular gene, creating a new allele. Recombination also can create a new DNA sequence (a new allele) for a specific gene through intragenic recombination.

Detailed explanation-4: -Genetic diversity is defined as genetic variability present within species. Genetic variation is caused due to mutations and recombination between homologous chromosomes during meiosis at the time of gamete formation.

Detailed explanation-5: -Answer and Explanation: The correct answer to this question is B. They always cause a change to an organism’s genotype. Regardless of the cause of the change, a DNA sequence is always altered when it mutates.