8. Genetic Variation

 Prompt: Selection is often assumed to eliminate genetic variation. So, why is genetic variation then not eroded over time? Based on what you have learned in the past modules, from the basic mechanisms of evolution to quantitative genetics, reflect on the diversity of mechanisms that can explain why genetic variation is maintained in populations.

Selection as we all know is a huge part of evolution. Selection is what allows us to keep producing favorable traits after traits. However, the selection is what happens to allow a species to have genetic variation. Without genetic variation, we would all be the same, and all the traits would never change and we would all look and behave the same, with the exceptions of mutations. We would all have the same fatality to a particular gene, and doing any kind of research or medication trial would be pointless, as we would all have the same reaction. But as we all have seen from the world as well as in the class this is not the case at all, each individual of a species has a unique set of DNA shared from their parents as well as a common ancestor. 

While many of us think we are perfect, there is always something, could be big, could be small, that could be changed to allow us to perform/survive better. Saying this, genetic variation could never be eroded over time. It would be like us putting our all into something important to us for example our careers, and getting to a certain point and saying hmmm... good enough. Genetic variation doesn't half-ass anything. It is constantly changing species to allow them to succeed and have longer life spans in their environments. Genetic variation is essential to evolution, and if the genetic variation had eroded over time, evolution as w whole would go down with it. 

Comments

  1. Kayla E.April 5, 2021 at 7:53 AM

    I agree, genetic variation could never be removed. Our environment is constantly changing, why wouldn't we!

    ReplyDelete
  2. CristinaMay 4, 2021 at 1:16 AM

    Hi Emily! I agree that you pointed out that selection is what allows the genetic variation. They definitely go hand-in-hand and genetic variation is very important, like you said. You right that it doesn't half-ass anything, lol.

    ReplyDelete

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