Question

Which statement best describes the relationship between genetic variation and speciation?

a) Genetic variation hinders speciation by creating uniform populations.
b) Genetic variation promotes speciation by reducing diversity.
c) Genetic variation is irrelevant to the process of speciation.
d) Genetic variation provides the raw material for speciation by creating diversity within populations.

Answer 1

Genetic variation provides the raw material for speciation by creating diversity within populations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that best describes the relationship between genetic variation and speciation is d) Genetic variation provides the raw material for speciation by creating diversity within populations.

Genetic variation is essential for the process of speciation because it allows for the creation of new traits and characteristics within a population. This variation can be caused by factors such as mutations, sexual reproduction, and migration. This genetic diversity provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon, leading to the formation of new species.

The statement that best describes the relationship between genetic variation and speciation is: d) Genetic variation provides the raw material for speciation by creating diversity within populations. Genetic variation is crucial to the process of speciation as it introduces different genetic combinations between individuals through mechanisms such as mutations and sexual reproduction. This variation allows for adaptation to different ecological niches and helps establish reproductive barriers that can lead to the emergence of new species.