Question

question 9 of 10
a plant develops a mutation in which three nucleotides are inserted into one
of its genes. however, there is no change to the plants phenotype. the
mutation is passed down to its offspring.
which two sentences describe the mutation?

a. the genetic variation of the plant population is increased.
b. the genetic variation of the plant population is unchanged.
c. the variation has no effect on the offsprings success.
d. the variation increases the offsprings success.
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Explanation:

• For A: A mutation (insertion of three nucleotides) is a source of genetic variation. Even if the phenotype is unchanged, the genetic code has been altered, so genetic variation in the population is increased.
• For C: Since there is no change to the plant's phenotype, this mutation (when passed to offspring) is likely neutral. A neutral mutation has no effect on the offspring's success (e.g., no impact on survival, reproduction rates etc. related to fitness).

Answer:

A. The genetic variation of the plant population is increased.
C. The variation has no effect on the offspring's success.