/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 7 What is genetic variance? a. t... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

What is genetic variance? a. the change in a population’s genetic structure b. the effect of chance on a population’s gene pool c. the diversity of alleles and genotypes within a population d. the magnification of genetic drift as a result of natural events or catastrophes

Short Answer

Expert verified
Option C: the diversity of alleles and genotypes within a population.

Step by step solution

01

- Understand the Question

The question asks for the definition of genetic variance. It provides four possible options. Identify the key terms in each option to understand what they describe.
02

- Analyze Option A

Option A describes 'the change in a population’s genetic structure.' This refers to how the genetic makeup within a population changes over time, which can be due to various factors but does not specifically refer to genetic variance.
03

- Analyze Option B

Option B states 'the effect of chance on a population’s gene pool.' This is related to genetic drift, which is a random change in allele frequencies, not specifically genetic variance.
04

- Analyze Option C

Option C mentions 'the diversity of alleles and genotypes within a population.' This directly refers to the different forms of genes (alleles) and the combinations of genes (genotypes) in a population, which is the definition of genetic variance.
05

- Analyze Option D

Option D discusses 'the magnification of genetic drift as a result of natural events or catastrophes.' This describes the effect of genetic drift, especially in small populations, but it is not the definition of genetic variance.
06

- Choose the Correct Answer

After analyzing all the options, it is clear that Option C, 'the diversity of alleles and genotypes within a population,' best describes genetic variance.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Alleles Diversity
Alleles are different versions of the same gene. In a population, the presence of multiple alleles is referred to as allelic diversity. This type of diversity ensures that individuals in a population can have different traits. For example, in the human population, the gene for eye color has several alleles, leading to blue, brown, green, or hazel eyes.
  • Alleles come from mutations over time.
  • Having more alleles can help populations adapt to changes in the environment.
  • Diverse alleles increase the chances of survival against diseases.
The diversity of alleles is a cornerstone of genetic variance, providing the raw material for evolution.
Genotypes Diversity
Genotype refers to the combination of alleles an individual has for a particular gene. When a population has a variety of genotypes, it is known as genotypic diversity. Each genotype represents a different genetic makeup.
Different genotypes can result in varied physical traits or phenotypes within a population. For instance, people with one allele for curly hair and another for straight hair may have wavy hair. This diversity is crucial because:
  • It allows for a wide range of traits, including behaviors and abilities.
  • Enhances adaptability and resilience of populations.
  • Genotypic diversity is crucial for natural selection to act upon.
Simply put, genotypic diversity is a reflection of how diverse the genetic combinations in a population can be.
Population Genetics
Population genetics is a field of biology that studies the genetic makeup of populations and how it changes over time. It involves understanding the frequency and interaction of alleles and genotypes within a population.
Key concepts in population genetics include:
  • Gene Pool: The complete set of different genes in a population.
  • Genetic Drift: Random fluctuation of allele frequencies, especially in small populations.
  • Gene Flow: The transfer of genes between populations which increases genetic diversity.
  • Natural Selection: The process by which beneficial traits become more common in a population.
The study of population genetics helps us understand how genetic variance is maintained or altered, which is pivotal for conservation biology, evolution studies, and breeding programs.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the ultimate source of all variation in and among populations? a. genetic mutations that result in viable offspring b. natural selection c. diverse habitats d. factors in the environment that may affect development

The table below shows data for a small population of mice. The mice are either brown or white. Based on the data, is the population experiencing genetic drift? Explain. \(\begin{array}{|c|c|c|}\hline \text { Generation } & {\text { Brown mice }} & {\text { Black mice }} \\ \hline 1 & {14} & {32} \\ \hline 2 & {20} & {26} \\\ \hline 3 & {24} & {22} \\ \hline 4 & {21} & {28} \\ \hline 5 & {19} & {30} \\ \hline 6 & {24} & {29} \\ \hline\end{array}\)

What is an example of a cline? a. a random fluctuation in a species gene frequencies b. a mutation that spreads across the ecological range of a species c. the females of a species preferring males that are orange in coloration instead of white d. a species having greater cold tolerance in the colder parts of its range than in the warmer parts of its range

Explain why there is no perfect organism despite natural selection. a. Because natural selection works on a geographic level. b. Because natural selection works in a random manner like mutations. c. Because of limitations due to a population’s existing variation in genes. d. Because natural selection is limited to sexual dimorphism.

Define and identify an example of population variation. a. Population variation is a description of the diversity of different forms of life. An example of population variation would be the different forms and functions of prokaryotes versus eukaryotes. b. Population variation is the geographic distribution of different phenotypes in a population. An example of population variation would be the fact that warm-blooded mammals that live near the poles tend to be larger than their southern counterparts to conserve heat. c. Population variation is the distribution of phenotypes in a population. An example of population variation would be the many different fur colors and patterns found in domestic dogs. d. Population variation is the distribution of genotypes in a population. An example of population variation would be Mendel’s pea plants that were homozygous dominant, heterozygous and homozygous recessive for various traits.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.