Final answer:
Meiosis and sexual reproduction contribute to the diversity in a population of monocled cobras by generating genetically varied offspring through mechanisms like crossing over and random assortment of chromosomes, leading to greater adaptation and survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diversity in Populations Through Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
The diversity in a population of monocled cobras can result from meiosis and sexual reproduction because these processes create variation among offspring. Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in haploid gametes (sperm and egg cells). In the case of cobras, as in other sexually reproducing organisms, genetic variation is generated through:
Crossing over during prophase I, where homologous chromosomes physically exchange DNA segments, leading to new combinations of genes.
Random assortment of chromosomes during metaphase I, where the alignment of homologous pairs is random, resulting in a mix of maternal and paternal chromosomes in gametes.
When gametes from two different cobras fuse during fertilization, they form a zygote with a unique genetic makeup. This genetic variation is crucial for the adaptation and survival of the species as it allows populations to potentially cope better with changes in the environment.