Question

Please explain this. :)

Variation in a trait is a required condition for natural selection to act on a population for that trait. Assuming a population of organisms only started with only one form of a trait, what are two ways variation in the trait could be introduced into the population? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

@CrazyCountryGirl Well, thing of the teenage mutant ninja turtles. They were normal turtles, but then something happened.

Also, it this population isolated? New things are attractive....

Let me know if this makes you think of anything, and we will continue. I will make sure you fully understand before you are done though.

Answer 2

I'm confused.. What does Mutant Turtles have to do with anything. What are teenage mutant ninja turtles? I'm really confused...

Answer 3

@mrdoldum

Answer 4

@CrazyCountryGirl Mutant, mutate.. If you have to have new traits show up, there is only two ways. Either a mutation occurs or the variation comes from members of a different population (gene flow).

Answer 5

Is adaption one?

Answer 6

@CrazyCountryGirl No, adaptation happens after variation. Variation must be there before adaptation can occur.

All variation is ultimately from mutations. Without mutations, there would not be any new variation or new traits. Populations can gain new variations or traits by interbreeding, or by mutations in the population that generate variation.

Answer 7

Okay, so the two ways are interbreeding and mutations? @mrdoldum

Answer 8

?

Answer 9

I see you fixed it, never mind. The more proper term for the interbreeding is gene flow.

Answer 10

Okay so gene flow and mutation. Can you please give me an example for each?

Answer 11

Well, gene flow and mutations are all over the world. Not sure it is 100% true, but here is mutation thing: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Womans-rare-disease-cured-by-lucky-DNA-mutation/articleshow/46165695.cms

As for gene flow, any time populations interbreed, so pick an example you like. Should be easy enough for you to find one via google or bing.

Answer 12

mutation was the key

Answer 13

first, identify how the organisms in that population proliferate (how they reproduce)
but the likely key is mutation when there is only one kind of trait, which is highly implausible

Answer 14

@nincompoop Not really. There are plenty of times this can happen when there are small populations, and even more so when the species involved dies after the first mating.

In large populations this would have near zero odds of occurring.