Question

Lateral gene transfer can increase what in a species that picks up the "new" genes?

1) Genetic diversity
2) Mutation rate
3) Reproductive capacity
4) Phenotypic variation

Answer 1

Lateral gene transfer can increase genetic diversity in a species that picks up the 'new' genes through mutation and sexual reproduction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lateral gene transfer can increase genetic diversity in a species that picks up the "new" genes.

Genetic diversity in a population comes from two main mechanisms: mutation and sexual reproduction.

Mutation, a change in DNA, is the ultimate source of new alleles, or new genetic variation in any population.

Sexual reproduction also leads to genetic diversity when two parents reproduce, unique combinations of alleles assemble to produce the unique genotypes and thus phenotypes in each of the offspring.