0
How does genetic variation affect the type of traits of adaptations in the individuals of a species?
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Variation in and of itself does not affect the traits seen in the overall population. This is because gene frequency and subsequent changes in phenotype generally occur only when the phenotype is "selected" for or against in a population. Granted increased genetic variation is the potential for change, however just as in physics potential has to be acted on for change to occur.
The population of a species represents it's entire gene pool. The Hardy-Weinburg Principle states that the frequency of a gene remains the same as long as it is neither selected for or against.
Smaller populations can change rapidly due to genetic drift and isolation (which is more of a twist of random probability than selection, like getting heads ten times in a row tossing a penny) selection translates into change in a larger population.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoGenetic variability enhances the probability of the species survival. The ever-changing environment impacts the changes necessary for healthy reproduction of the species.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Mutations are a source of what in a species?
Genetic variation, which can lead to evoloution, and then potentially a new species.
Which procedure can not be used to increase genetic variation?
If a population dwindles, there is low genetic variation and a species may risk extinction.
What tends to increase genetic variation in a population?
Genetic variation is the total amount of genetic diversity present within a species or population. The amount of genetic variation in a population will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the population, the type of reproduction, and environmental influences. The primary way to increase genetic variation in a population is through mutation. Mutations are random changes in the genetic code that can lead to new traits or characteristics. Mutations can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation or chemicals, or they can occur spontaneously. Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or detrimental to the organism, but they do lead to increased genetic variation. Another way to increase genetic variation in a population is through migration. When individuals from different populations mate, they bring with them different alleles from their home population, increasing the genetic diversity of the new population. This is especially important for populations that are geographically isolated, such as island populations. Another factor that can increase genetic variation is sexual selection. This is the process by which individuals select mates based on certain desired traits. This can lead to an increase in the number of different alleles in the population, as individuals with certain traits will be more likely to reproduce. Finally, gene flow is a process that can increase genetic variation in a population. Gene flow is when individuals from one population move to another population and mate with individuals in the new population. This can bring in alleles from the original population, increasing the genetic diversity of the new population. Overall, while mutation, migration, sexual selection, and gene flow are all important factors in increasing genetic variation in a population, it is important to note that genetic variation can also be decreased by inbreeding and genetic drift. Inbreeding is when individuals mate with close relatives, reducing the number of alleles in the population and leading to decreased genetic variation. Genetic drift is when random fluctuations in allele frequencies occur due to a small population size, leading to decreased genetic variation. Therefore, it is important to consider all of these factors when trying to increase genetic variation in a population.
What causes genetic variation in a species?
genetic variation happens because of meiosis. chromosomes are randomly in each sperm/egg cell, and so when they come together it's unlikely to get the same combination twice
Does genetic drift increase or decrease genetic variation in populations and why?
It is important to understand that each individual has different genes. Genes can be lost if an individual dies without reproducing. To answer your question: There are two type of effects caused by Genetic Drift. The founder effect happens when a few species inhabit a new territory. If only those species reproduce then there are less genes in the gene pool and that leads to less variation. This can happen if storms sweep birds to a previously uninhabited island. The other effect is the bottleneck effect. This happens if a disease or poaching drastically reduces the number of individuals in a population. Since there are less individuals who can reproduce there are not as many genes that can be passed down.
Is adaptations a genetic basis for variation within a species?
No, adaptations usually do not result in any genotypical change in a species.
What would decrease genetic variation in a population?
When there is low genetic variation in a population the species produced are unlikely to withstand diseases.
What is a structure or behavior that increases the chance of species survival?
its adaptations (camoflauge)
How does variation in a species help the species survive?
As each new generation is produced, genetic variation may be introduced into a population. The more genetic variation in a population, the more likely it is that some individuals might have traits that will be advantageous if the environment changes.
What causes variation within a species?
It has adaptations
Mutations are a source of what in a species?
Genetic variation, which can lead to evoloution, and then potentially a new species.
What advantages does sexual reproduction provide for sponges?
Sexual reproduction means there is much greater scope for genetic variation of offspring. Variation is good for any species as it is this variation that allows for adaption e.g. the variation might provide some individuals with resistance to a new disease that affects the species, hence those individuals survive and thrive.
Why genetic variation is of to benefit to a population?
It can provide resistance to diseases or other beneficial characteristics. -variation in more competitive species than our own can result in natural selection that is better focused to the specific environment: there is a bigger range of characteristics, so the best traits allow those members to survive longer and therefore mate more. This allows the species overall to constantly reproduce the beneficial traits and flourish.
How does genetic variation prevent extinction of a species?
The genetic variation enable a particular species to withstand the adversities of Nature by way of selection on the basis of the principle of survival of the fittest.
How does the environment influence populations of organisms over multiple generations?
Genetic variation describes naturally occurring genetic differences among individuals of the same species. This variation permits flexibility and survival of a population in the face of changing environmental circumstances. Genetic variation is often considered an advantage, as it is a form of preparation for what the unexpected could bring.
How genetic variation is measured?
Gentic variation is mearsured by the number of species in the given area not.
Why could natural selection not occur without genetic variation in a species?
Natural selection is a change in allele frequencies of a species which allows that species to better survive in it's environment. Without genetic variation there would be no change in the allele frequency of a species. However, with genetic variation there is a chance that one particular member of a species will be born with a random mutation which allows it to better survive in it's environment, thus increasing the chance that it will reproduce and pass on that genetic trait to it's offspring who in turn will pass it onto their offspring and so on. Without genetic variation all members of the species and their offspring would be exact duplicates of each other and no particular member would have an advantage over another.
