What increases genetic variation when animals move from one population to another population?
Show This blackbird (turdus merula) has a condition called leucism. Leucism is a genetic variation that causes the partial loss of pigmentation. Japatino / Moment Open / Getty Images Updated on August 21, 2019 Genetic variation can be defined as the genetic makeup of organisms within a population change. Genes are inherited segments of DNA that contain codes for the production of proteins. Genes exist in alternate versions, or alleles, that determine distinct traits that can be passed on from parents to offspring. Key Takeaways: Genetic Variation
Genetic variation is important to the processes of natural selection and biological evolution. The genetic variations that arise in a population happen by chance, but the process of natural selection does not. Natural selection is the result of the interactions between genetic variations in a population and the environment. The environment determines which genetic variations are more favorable or better suited for survival. As organisms with these environmentally selected genes survive and reproduce, more favorable traits are passed on to the population as a whole. Genetic Variation CausesComputer graphic illustration depicting a point mutation. A point mutation is a genetic mutation where a single nucleotide base is changed.Alfred Pasieka / Science Photo Library / Getty Images Genetic variation occurs mainly through DNA mutation, gene flow (movement of genes from one population to another), and sexual reproduction. Due to the fact that environments are unstable, populations that are genetically variable will be able to adapt to changing situations better than those that do not contain genetic variation.
Genetic Variation ExamplesA true albino squirrel photographed eating a nut in Companies Garden in Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa.David G Richardson / Getty Images Favorable genetic traits in a population are determined by the environment. Organisms that are better able to adapt to their environment survive to pass on their genes and favorable traits. Sexual selection is commonly seen in nature as animals tend to select mates that have traits that are favorable. As females mate more often with males considered to have more favorable traits, these genes occur more often in a population over time. A person's skin color, hair color, dimples, freckles, and blood type are all examples of genetic variations that can occur in a human population. Examples of genetic variation in plants include the modified leaves of carnivorous plants and the development of flowers that resemble insects to lure plant pollinators. Gene variation in plants often occurs as the result of gene flow. Pollen is dispersed from one area to another by the wind or by pollinators over great distances. Examples of genetic variation in animals include albinism, cheetahs with stripes, snakes that fly, animals that play dead, and animals that mimic leaves. These variations enable the animals to better adapt to conditions in their environments. Watch Now: 10 Things You May Not Know About The Human HeartWhat increases genetic variation between populations?Gene duplication, mutation, or other processes can produce new genes and alleles and increase genetic variation. New genetic variation can be created within generations in a population, so a population with rapid reproduction rates will probably have high genetic variation.
What causes genetic variation in animals?Genetic variation within a species can result from a few different sources. Mutations, the changes in the sequences of genes in DNA, are one source of genetic variation. Another source is gene flow, or the movement of genes between different groups of organisms.
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