Question

which of the following sources of genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms results from the extremely large number of sperm released during reproduction?
mutation
independent assortment
random fertilization
crossing over

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Mutation: Involves changes in DNA sequence, not related to sperm quantity.
• Independent assortment: Occurs during meiosis (chromosome sorting), not directly from sperm number.
• Random fertilization: With many sperm (each unique), the chance of any one fertilizing an egg creates genetic variation. This matches the “large number of sperm” context.
• Crossing over: Exchange of DNA between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, not related to sperm quantity.

Answer:

C. random fertilization