________ is the Ultimate Source of Genetic Variation in Populations

Question

________ is the ultimate source of genetic variation in populations.
A)Natural selection
B)Genetic drift
C)Gene flow
D)Mutation
E)Recombination

Accepted Answer

Mutation is the ultimate source of genetic variation in populations. Mutations are changes in DNA sequence that can create new alleles or gene variants, which can then be passed on to offspring. While natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and recombination can all contribute to the redistribution or maintenance of genetic variation in populations, they rely on preexisting genetic variation that ultimately originates from mutation.