Biology 30 – Populations Practice Test

What does a change in the DNA of an individual generally indicate about genetic variation in the population?

Mutation rate decreases. No effect on variation. Genetic drift increases. More genetic variation.

Correct Answer:

More genetic variation.

Explanation:

Genetic variation in populations comes from mutations—random changes in DNA. When a mutation occurs and is passed on to offspring (a heritable, germline change), it creates a new allele in the population's gene pool. This adds new variants that natural selection, genetic drift, and other evolutionary forces can act upon, increasing the overall variation. While many mutations are neutral or harmful and may not spread, the arrival of new heritable DNA changes generally boosts the diversity available for evolution. If a DNA change stays only in somatic cells, it won’t affect population variation.

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