Question

Primary source of allelic variation is
A)Independent Assortment
B)Recombination
C)Mutation
D)Polyploidy

Answer 1

Hint: Allele are the one or more than one form of a gene. Variation is the difference in the characteristics of the two individuals belonging to the same species. The variations can be caused due to mutation, recombination, independent assortment and polyploidy.

Complete answer:
To solve this question, we must know about the allelic variations.
Genetic variation is the difference in the genotype of organisms. It happens due to mutation, crossing over between the homologous chromosomes which happens during meiosis or due to random mating between the organisms.

Allelic variation is the variation which defines the presence or the quantity of different allelic forms at a particular place(loci) on a chromosome. Allelic variation describes the diversity in the population. The main cause of allelic variation is recombination. Recombination is the process in which the pieces of DNA are broken and recombined which produces new allelic combinations. It leads to variations and diversity at the genetic level.

Mutation is the process of the alteration in the nucleotide sequence in the genome of an organism. Mutations are caused by the internal and external factors like chemicals, radiations, or the error in the replication of DNA.

Independent Assortment- The law of Independent Assortment was given by Mendel. It states that the alleles of two or more genes sort independently into gametes.

Polyploidy- It is a condition in which cells of an organism have more than two sets of chromosomes.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B)

Note: No two members of the same species are similar. Few examples of variation are different coloured eyes in humans, difference in the length of tail. The variation leads to genetic diversity.