AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Genetic variation is also introduced by random fertilization of the gametes produced by meiosis. Any of the genetically unique sperm generated by a male may fertilize the genetically unique egg produced by a female. During metaphase I, the homologous pairs of chromosomes are aligned along the metaphase plate.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -Major causes of variation include mutations, gene flow, and sexual reproduction. DNA mutation causes genetic variation by altering the genes of individuals in a population. Gene flow leads to genetic variation as new individuals with different gene combinations migrate into a population.

Detailed explanation-4: -Answer and Explanation: Random fertilization means that, during sexual reproduction, the male gamete and female gamete that fuse to produce an offspring are selected randomly from the pool of male and female gametes.