Question

Some types of organisms can increase genetic variation through reproduction. They are able to combine the genetic material of two parents, rather than copying the genetic material of a single parent. Which organisms are capable of this?

Answer 1

Both animals and plants are capable of reproduction. Living organisms are capable of producing populations of infinite size. Sexual reproduction allows more variation in genes because the genes are coming from two different organisms. All organisms in every environment they must compete for essential resources.

Answer 2

The plants, animals and fungi use sexual reproduction as a way of increasing the genetic variability.

There are a few ways for the creation of such variability:

1. Crossing-over is an event that occurs when homologous chromosomes come together during prophase I of meiosis. Those chromosomes exchange bits of DNA with each other which results in new gene combinations and new chances for variety.

2. Independent assortment is another event that happens during the meiosis (anaphase I). When the homologous pairs of chromosomes line up in metaphase I, each pair lines up independently from the other pairs.

3. Mutation is one common, spontaneous way of introducing changes into the genetic code. When changes occur in a cell that produces gametes, future generations are affected and variability exists.

4.Fertilization itself can cause variability because it is a random event.