Question

Which of the following evolutionary processes creates new genetic variation?

	a.	Natural selection
	b.	Genetic drift
	c.	Mutation
	d.	Both a and b
	e.	Both b and c

Answer 1

GENETIC VARIATION

Evolutionary processes creates new genetic variation

THE CORRECT ANSWER IS E) BOTH B & C

EXPLANATION

When there is a change seen in the gene and gene frequencies it is called as genetic variation.

Genetic variation is also called as the raw material for evolution.

GENETIC DRIFT

When there is any alteration in an allele frequency, in the natural population by pure chance is called genetic drift. For example, there can be an elimination of a particular allele from a population due to certain events such as accidental death prior to meeting of an organism.

Smaller the populations, greater are the chances of genetic drift.

GENE MUTATION

When there are changes in the chemical makeup of a gene, it is called as gene mutation or point mutation. Due to mutations, there is disturbance in the gene pool (Gene pool is the sum total of all individuals of interbreeding population) thereby causing change in gene frequency.

NATURAL SELECTION

Natural selection is a link between the changes in the environment and genetic variation of the species attempting to survive and reproduce.

Natural selection invariably encourages those jeans which are highly adaptive to to environment.