CH 9: Variation

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What is a species defined as in biological terms?

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring (correct)

A group of organisms that live in the same geographical area

A group of organisms that have different genetic material

A group of organisms that look similar to each other

What do populations refer to in biological terms?

Individual organisms within a species

Groups of individuals belonging to the same species living in a particular area (correct)

Individuals from different geographical areas

Groups of different species living together

How does meiosis contribute to genetic variation?

By keeping the genetic material unchanged

Through Asexual Reproduction

Through Crossing Over and Random Arrangement of Chromosomes (correct)

By preventing any changes in DNA sequences

What happens during Crossing Over in meiosis?

Homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of independent assortment in meiosis?

To ensure each gamete contains a different set of genes from both parents Signup and view all the answers

What are mutations in biological terms?

Changes in the DNA sequence of an organism Signup and view all the answers

Why is variation among individuals of the same species important?

For the survival and evolution of the species Signup and view all the answers

Which process combines the genetic material from two different gametes?

Random Fertilization Signup and view all the answers

What type of variation occurs when a characteristic shows a range of phenotypes between two extremes?

Continuous Variation Signup and view all the answers

How does non-random mating, such as inbreeding, affect genetic diversity in a population?

Decreases genetic diversity Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism provides the raw material for evolution by creating genetic variations?

Random Fertilization Signup and view all the answers

Blood groups in humans are an example of which type of variation?

Discontinuous Variation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of maintaining genetic diversity in species according to the text?

For species survival Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to continuous variation in characteristics like height in humans?

Polygenic Inheritance Signup and view all the answers

What process helps scientists comprehend how species adapt to their environments and how new species arise?

Understanding sources and types of variation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a species and a population?

Populations are confined to a specific geographical area while species are not. Signup and view all the answers

Which process during meiosis leads to the creation of new combinations of genes?

Crossing Over Signup and view all the answers

How do mutations contribute to genetic variation in a species?

By changing the DNA sequence Signup and view all the answers

Which biological process ensures that each gamete contains a unique combination of genes from both parents?

Independent Assortment Signup and view all the answers

Why is variation among individuals of the same species considered vital for survival and evolution?

To promote genetic diversity Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism in meiosis contributes most significantly to genetic variation?

Crossing Over Signup and view all the answers

Why is meiosis considered crucial for producing genetic diversity?

By creating unique gametes through processes like Crossing Over and Independent Assortment Signup and view all the answers

What effect does non-random mating, such as inbreeding, have on genetic diversity in a population?

Decreases genetic diversity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variation refers to characteristics that fall into distinct categories with no intermediate phenotypes?

Discontinuous Variation Signup and view all the answers

How does random fertilization contribute to genetic diversity?

By combining genetic material from two different gametes Signup and view all the answers

Which process is essential for natural selection and evolution by providing the raw material for genetic variations?

Mutation Signup and view all the answers

What type of variation usually involves influences from multiple genes (polygenic inheritance) and environmental factors?

Polygenic Variation Signup and view all the answers

What impact does inbreeding have on genetic disorders within a population?

Increases the incidence of genetic disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of meiosis in producing genetic diversity?

Ensuring each gamete contains a unique combination of genes Signup and view all the answers

How does crossing over during meiosis contribute to genetic variation?

Creates new combinations of genes Signup and view all the answers

Why are mutations considered important sources of genetic variation?

Mutations contribute to changes in the DNA sequence Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of independent assortment in meiosis?

Randomly arranging chromosomes to create unique gene combinations Signup and view all the answers

How does genetic diversity contribute to the survival and evolution of a species?

Provides raw material for natural selection and adaptation Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of variation among individuals of the same species?

Contributes to the diversity of life forms observed Signup and view all the answers

Which process ensures that genetic material from both parents contributes to each gamete?

Random fertilization of gametes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of random mating in a population?

Increases genetic diversity Signup and view all the answers

Which process can result in new phenotypes within a population?

Random fertilization Signup and view all the answers

How does inbreeding affect genetic disorders within a population?

Increases genetic disorders Signup and view all the answers

Which variation type occurs when a characteristic does not have intermediate phenotypes?

Discontinuous variation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of mutations in a species?

Confer advantages leading to new phenotypes Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding the sources and types of variation important in conservation biology?

To understand species adaptation Signup and view all the answers

What type of variation is typically influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors?

Polygenic inheritance Signup and view all the answers

In terms of natural selection, what role does genetic diversity play within populations?

Provides raw material for selection Signup and view all the answers