Variations in offspring are mainly introduced as a result of:a)Cloning...
The main source of variation in offspring is sexual reproduction.
Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes from two parents, resulting in offspring that inherit a unique combination of genetic material from both parents. This process introduces variation in several ways:
- Independent assortment of chromosomes: During meiosis, the homologous pairs of chromosomes align randomly and separate into different gametes. This leads to different combinations of genes being passed on to the offspring.
- Crossing over: Crossing over occurs during meiosis when homologous chromosomes exchange segments of genetic material. This further increases genetic diversity by shuffling genes between chromosomes.
- Random fertilization: The chance of a specific sperm fertilizing a specific egg is random, leading to a nearly infinite number of possible combinations of genetic material in offspring.
- Mutations: Mutations, which are changes in the DNA sequence, can occur spontaneously or as a result of environmental factors. These mutations can introduce new genetic variations in the offspring.
While asexual reproduction, cloning, and parthenogenesis can also produce offspring, they do not involve the combination of genetic material from two parents and therefore do not introduce as much variation as sexual reproduction.
Variations in offspring are mainly introduced as a result of:a)Cloning...
Introduction:
Variations in offspring refer to the differences or unique characteristics that offspring inherit from their parents. These variations are mainly introduced as a result of sexual reproduction.
Explanation:
Sexual reproduction is the process by which offspring are produced through the fusion of gametes, or reproductive cells, from two parents. This process involves the combination of genetic material from both parents, resulting in offspring that possess a unique combination of traits.
Genetic Variation:
One of the key reasons why sexual reproduction leads to variations in offspring is due to genetic recombination. During sexual reproduction, the parents contribute half of their genetic material to their offspring. This genetic material is shuffled and recombined through the process of meiosis, resulting in the production of genetically diverse gametes.
Combination of Traits:
When two gametes (sperm and egg) fuse during fertilization, they combine their genetic material to form a unique combination of traits in the offspring. Each parent contributes a different set of alleles, which are alternative forms of genes, to the offspring. This combination of alleles determines the characteristics and traits that the offspring will inherit.
Random Assortment:
Furthermore, during meiosis, the chromosomes in the parent's cells randomly assort, meaning that each gamete receives a different combination of chromosomes. This random assortment further increases genetic variation in the offspring.
Recombination:
In addition to random assortment, genetic recombination occurs during meiosis, where genetic material is exchanged between homologous chromosomes. This process further increases the genetic diversity in the offspring, as it allows for the mixing and rearrangement of alleles.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, variations in offspring are mainly introduced as a result of sexual reproduction. Through the combination of genetic material from two parents, genetic recombination, random assortment, and the exchange of genetic material during meiosis, offspring inherit a unique combination of traits that contribute to the variations observed in populations. This genetic diversity is essential for the survival and adaptation of species in changing environments.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.