Genetic variation ________.
A) is created by the direct action of natural selection
B) arises in response to changes in the environment
C) must be present in a population before natural selection can act upon the population
D) tends to be reduced when diploid organisms produce gametes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic variation must be present in a population before natural selection can act upon the population. Without genetic variation, there would be no differences for natural selection to act upon.

Answer: D 
 Genetic variation tends to be reduced when diploid organisms produce gametes through the processes of meiosis and fertilization. This is because during these processes, homologous chromosomes can exchange genetic material and create new combinations, but overall the amount of genetic variation is reduced by half in the resulting gametes compared to the original diploid cell.

Genetic Variation ________