Genetic variation leads to genetic diversity in populations and is the raw material for evolution. Biological systems have multi
ple processes, such as reproduction, that affect genetic variation. They are evolutionarily conserved and shared by various organisms. Which statement best represents the connection between reproduction and evolution?
A) Plants that use sexual reproduction are rare since this type of reproduction in plants does not contribute to genetic diversity.
B) In order to increase genetic diversity for evolution in sexually reproducing organisms, mutations must occur in the zygote after fertilization.
C) Since prokaryotic organisms reproduce asexually, there is no mechanism for them to add genetic diversity for evolution.
D) Sexual reproduction increases genetic variation because random mutations can be shuffled between organisms.
D) Sexual reproduction increases genetic variation because random mutations can be shuffled between organisms.
Explanation:
Sexual reproduction involves the combination of two gametes from two different parents one from the male parent and another from female parents. So as the two different gene combination occurs in sexual reproduction, therefore, it increases the genetic variation.
Also, the random mutation that occurs in the DNA can be shuffled between organisms during the fertilization event of reproduction. This increases the genetic variation because new alleles and genes get added to the gene pool. So good mutation is selected naturally and through reproduction, it passes to a new generation. So the right answer is D.
