What Leads To Genetic Variatioj (microevolution)

Question 1

Mutations

Answer 1

Random changes in the genetic code. Most mutations occur in somatic cells and CANT be inherited. Mutations in a gamate has the potential to be passed on to the next generation.

Question 2

Genetic drift (bottleneck effect and founder affect

Answer 2

Founder affect- when a small random sample of a population colonized a new area. Eg a few seeds carried far away by bird

Bottleneck: drastic reduction in a population size due to chance events ( natural disaster, habitat, destruction)

Key points of genetic drift- the change in a populations allele frequency which is random(no one has an advantage), more likely to affect smaller populations. No adaptive advantage (organisms may not necessarily be more fit),

Question 3

Gene Flow

Answer 3

Movement of new alleles into an existing gene pool. Individuals of a population can mate with individuals of same species but in a different population inteoducing new alleles into the gene pool