Final answer:
Different patterns of genetic differences at a particular location are called alleles, which are responsible for the genetic diversity within populations.
Polymorphisms refer to the presence of different alleles that can be manifested in various phenotypes, and genetic markers such as RFLPs, VNTRs, and SNPs are key tools for studying them.
Therefore, the correct answer is: option c) alleles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alleles are alternative forms of a gene, and these variations account for the genetic diversity within populations.
Understanding the presence of different alleles and how they are expressed in the phenotype is crucial for studying how a population might adapt or change over time, which is a key concept in population genetics.
Individuals within a population may exhibit different phenotypes as a result of expressing different alleles of a specific gene, a concept known as polymorphism.
An example of this could be observed in Mendel's experiments on pea plants, which revealed various combinations of alleles (homozygous dominant, heterozygous, homozygous recessive) resulting in different traits.
Moreover, scientists utilize genetic markers like RFLPs, VNTRs, microsatellite polymorphisms, and SNPs to study genetic differences and create genetic maps. These markers help in understanding the variation within a species, which is essential for researching population genetics, evolutionary biology, and medical genetics.