2015 · Q5
Which of the following cause(s) variation in the genetic material of progeny?
- 1Sexual reproduction
- 2Asexual reproduction
- 3Mutations
- 4Epigenetic changes
Select the correct answer using the code given below
General KnowledgeBiology
- A2 only
- B1, 2 and 3
- C1, 3 and 4
- D1 and 3 only
Explanation
Sexual reproduction generates variation through meiosis (crossing over and independent assortment) and the fusion of two different gametes, and mutations introduce genuinely new alleles — so statements 1 and 3 are correct. Asexual reproduction is mitotic and produces genetically identical clones, giving no variation. Epigenetic changes alter gene expression (e.g., via methylation) without changing the DNA sequence itself, so they do not vary the genetic material. Hence only 1 and 3.