Question

Combining the genes of two parents in offspring increases _____ in the population, which is valuable for a species because it provides more characteristics for natural selection to operate on.

Answer 1

Combining genes from two parents through sexual reproduction increases genetic diversity, fostering genetic variance and enhancing a population's ability to adapt through natural selection.

Step-by-step explanation:

Combining the genes of two parents in offspring increases genetic diversity in the population, which is valuable for a species because it provides more characteristics for natural selection to operate on. Sexual reproduction results in offspring with diverse phenotypes, enhancing survival in a changing environment. It produces new combinations of genes, enabling offspring to survive during environmental changes. A population that includes individuals capable of conjugation or sexual reproduction would be more successful, as some members could form recombinant cells with new gene combinations advantageous in new environments. Species with greater genetic variance within their population can better adapt to changing conditions and avoid the pitfalls of inbreeding depression.

Answer 2

The correct answer will be- variation

Step-by-step explanation:

Natural selection is the process in which an organism becomes adaptable to its environment by changing the genotype which changes the phenotype of the organism. The phenotype trait is selected by the organisms and passed on to the generation to become permanent. Nature selects the fittest species to survive the environment.

Since the organism reproduces either through asexual or sexual mode in which sexual mode increases the chances of natural selection as sexual mode involves the mixing of genes from different parents which increases the chances of "variation" in the genotype thus phenotype.

Thus, variation is the correct answer.