Question

what are the primary processes that increase genetic variability?
a. sexual reproduction and mutations
b. cloning and binary fission
c. asexual reproduction and mitosis
d. budding and recombination

Explanation:

To determine the primary processes increasing genetic variability, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Sexual reproduction (e.g., meiosis with crossing - over and independent assortment) and mutations (introduce new genetic material) both increase genetic diversity.
• Option B: Cloning and binary fission are asexual processes, producing genetically identical offspring, so they do not increase variability.
• Option C: Asexual reproduction and mitosis create clones, reducing genetic diversity.
• Option D: Budding is asexual (no variability increase), and recombination alone is part of sexual reproduction but not paired with a process that increases variability here.

Answer:

A. sexual reproduction and mutations