Question

cfu - selective pressures
which of the following is a source of genetic variation within a species?
○ selective breeding
○ mutation
○ natural selection
○ cloning

Explanation:

To determine the source of genetic variation:

• Selective Breeding: Involves human - directed breeding for desired traits, it doesn't create new genetic variation but selects existing ones.
• Mutation: Changes in DNA sequence, which introduces new alleles and is a primary source of genetic variation within a species.
• Natural Selection: Acts on existing genetic variation, favoring traits for survival/reproduction, but doesn't generate new variation.
• Cloning: Produces genetically identical copies, so no new genetic variation is introduced.

Answer:

B. Mutation