Genetic variation in a population arises due to :
- Reproductive isolation and selection
- Mutations only
- Mutations as well as recombination
- Recombination only
Answer
(3) Mutations as well as recombination
Solution
As per NCERT, the origin of variation is due to mutation and recombination during gametogenesis (and also gene flow / genetic drift).
⇒ Mutations create new alleles, while recombination (crossing over and independent assortment) produces new combinations of existing alleles.
∵ Reproductive isolation and selection act on variation already present, they do not create it.
∴ Genetic variation arises due to mutations as well as recombination.
Answer: (3)