Final answer:
A population with more than one wild-type allele demonstrates genetic variation(option 4), which is part of the broader concept of genetic diversity and is important for a species' adaptability and long-term survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
A population that contains more than one wild-type allele demonstrates genetic variation. This concept, known as genetic diversity, refers to the diversity of alleles and genotypes within a population. Genetic variation is crucial for a population's adaptability and survival, as it allows a species to respond to environmental changes and evolutionary pressures.
Variation arises primarily from two main mechanisms: mutation, which is a change in the DNA sequence, and sexual reproduction, which combines alleles in new ways.
A population that is genetically varied will generally have a better chance of containing individuals that can adapt to new challenges than a genetically uniform population. Thus, maintaining genetic variance is important for the conservation of species, as it helps to prevent inbreeding depression and maintains a healthy gene pool for future generations.
In addition to illustrating population variation, the presence of more than one wild-type allele is an indication of polymorphism within the population. This variability among individuals is a fundamental aspect of the biological diversity we observe in nature.