Why is genetic variation a key components of natural selection and artificial selection?
Biology · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021
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Answer: Genetic variation is necessary in natural selection. In natural selection, organisms with environmentally selected traits are better able to adapt to the environment and pass on their genes. Major causes of variation include mutations, gene flow, and sexual reproduction. Humans may use artificial selection to produce plants with bigger fruit or cows that produce more milk. We do this in an attempt to create what we desire. The drawback to this is that artificial selection actually reduces genetic variability.