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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.

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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.

Related Questions

Is adaptations a genetic basis for variation within a species?

No, adaptations usually do not result in any genotypical change in a species.


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.


Explain why there is more variation between a species than within a species?

Within a species, the animals breed together so that the similar characteristics are passed from parents to their offspring. This is why there is less variation within a species than between a species.


What causes variation within a species?

It has adaptations


What species that lacks variation is able to adapt to a changing environment?

A species that lacks genetic variation but can still adapt to a changing environment is the Antarctic icefish. This species has limited genetic diversity, but it has unique physiological adaptations that allow it to survive in the extreme cold conditions of the Antarctic waters.


Mutations are a source of what in a species?

Genetic variation, which can lead to evoloution, and then potentially a new species.


Individuals in different species can have the same gene pool?

Yes, they can.


How does genetic variation prevent extinction of a species?

Genetic variation allows individuals within a species to have different traits that might be advantageous in changing environmental conditions. This diversity increases the chances that some individuals will survive and reproduce when faced with new threats or challenges, helping to prevent extinction. High genetic variation also provides a larger pool of traits for natural selection to act upon, promoting the species' ability to adapt over time.


Does variation within the same species exist?

Of course, variation exists within individuals of the same species. This is because there are a small minority of genes which have multiple alleles in most species. In cases where a subset of the population is isolated from the rest of the population, a subspecies may develop which has particular unique characteristics but can still interbreed with the rest of the species.


Charles Darwin observed that instead of being perfect and unchanging individuals in a species show what?

Individuals in a species show variation, which is a key concept in Darwin's theory of evolution. This variation can arise from genetic differences or environmental influences, and it provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon, leading to the evolution of species over time.


Does sexual reproduction cause a narrow range or variation or a wide range of variation in species?

Sexual reproduction typically results in a wide range of variation in species. This is because it involves the mixing of genetic material from two individuals, leading to the expression of different traits in offspring. This variation can help populations adapt to changing environments and increase overall genetic diversity.


What 2 factors determine the evolution of a species?

Two key factors that determine the evolution of a species are genetic variation and natural selection. Genetic variation provides the raw material for evolutionary change, while natural selection acts on this variation by favoring individuals with traits that increase their chances of survival and reproduction.