Question

A population of buffalos is isolated such that no new buffalos can come into their territory.

Which of the following is primarily responsible for the appearance of new alleles in this population?

a. Reassortment of chromosomes during the process of creating sperm or eggs.
b. Mutations in cells that will become sperm or eggs.
c. Changes in the environment that favor some buffalo traits over others.
d. Random mating between the buffalos in the population.

Answer 1

In an isolated buffalo population with no incoming new individuals, new alleles primarily appear due to mutations in the reproductive cells, leading to potential genetic variations in the offspring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The isolated population of buffalos is primarily responsible for the appearance of new alleles due to mutations in cells that will become sperm or eggs. Mutations introduce new genetic variations into the gene pool, which then may be passed onto offspring. Other mechanisms like genetic drift, natural selection, and gene flow can also impact allele frequencies, but in the context of this scenario, where no new buffalos can enter the territory, mutations are the key source of new alleles.

The appearance of new alleles in a population of buffalos that is isolated and does not receive any new buffalos into their territory is primarily responsible for through mutations in cells that will become sperm or eggs. Mutations are random changes in DNA that can produce new alleles. These mutations can lead to the creation of new genetic variations in the population.

Answer 2

B - Mutations in cells that will become sperm or eggs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mutation is the process of changing the nucleotide sequence of DNA. When DNA is mutated, this often causes new alleles to appear, go missing, or be added. These processes are called Substitution, Deletion, and Insertion.