Question

Which of the following is most likely to decrease genetic variation?

a) mutation

b) diversifying selection

c) stabilizing selection

d) directional selection

Answer 1

Mutation = these are sudden Genetic changes that arise as a result of Insertion, deletion or change in gene or genomic sequences. These can be beneficial or non-beneficial. These results in a different Genotype of organism so will increase genetic variation.

Diversifying selection = diversify = varitey ; selection. It is kind of selection in which varitey of Alleles or genes are involved in the Genotype of an organism. When many genes are acting for traits in organisms result in diversifying selection. Hence, it will increase the genetic variation.

Stabilizing selection = stabilizing = stability; selection. In it the Alleles or genes are stable means they are not changing and when no changes occurs in genetic composition of organism result in decrease in genetic variation.

Directional selection = direction = a phenotye or Genotype is favoured; in it one Genotype or phenotye is favoured by nature and hence shift to that side and hence also called positive selection. It does not decrease the genetic variation but will result in shifting to a phenotye over a time.

So, accordingly the correct answer to question " which is most likely to decrease genetic variation " is ------- Stabilizing selection, Option C.

Thank you.?