The Molecular Source of Variation That Underlies the Process of Evolution

Question

The molecular source of variation that underlies the process of evolution is
A) mutation
B) genetic drift
C) artificial selection
D) migration
E) emigration

Accepted Answer

Mutation is the best choice as it is the ultimate source of genetic variation that creates new alleles which can then be selected for or against in the process of evolution. Genetic drift and migration can cause changes in allele frequencies, but they do not create new alleles. Artificial selection is a human-directed process that can exacerbate pre-existing variation, but it does not create new alleles either. Emigration is not a relevant answer as it refers to the movement of individuals out of a population rather than a source of genetic variation.