Question

bacteria can acquire new genetic variation by:
acquiring new alleles.
gene transfer.
mutations and acquiring new alleles.
mutations.
mutations, acquiring new alleles, and gene transfer.

Explanation:

Mutations introduce changes in DNA sequence, creating new alleles (variants of genes). Acquiring new alleles directly adds genetic variation, and gene transfer (e.g., conjugation, transformation, transduction) allows bacteria to gain genetic material from other organisms, all contributing to new genetic variation.

Answer:

mutations, acquiring new alleles, and gene transfer.