Question

What is/are the most important factor(s) generating genetic diversity among individuals in a population of eukaryotes?

1) mutation
2) independent assortment
3) genetic recombination
4) b and c only
5) all of the above are important in generating diversity in eukaryotes

Answer 1

Genetic diversity in eukaryotes is primarily generated through mutation, independent assortment, and genetic recombination, all of which are crucial for producing variation in populations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important factors generating genetic diversity among individuals in a population of eukaryotes include:

1. Mutation: The ultimate source of new alleles or genetic variation.
2. Independent assortment: During meiosis, where chromosomes are distributed randomly into gametes.
3. Genetic recombination: Can occur via crossing over during meiosis, mixing up alleles on homologous chromosomes.

Therefore, the answer to the question is (5) all of the above are important in generating diversity in eukaryotes. Mutations introduce new genetic variations, while independent assortment and genetic recombination during sexual reproduction create unique combinations of alleles, thus contributing to the genetic diversity within a population.