Which population is likely to have the most genetic variation among its members?

A.

a population whose members have many different traits

B.

a population whose members are exactly the same

C.

a population whose members are very similar to each other

D.

It is impossible to identify genetic variation within a population.

The answer is A. A population with many different traits mist likely has many alleles of a particular gene for a particular trait. The environmental influence on the varying genotypes, therefore, produces the varying phenotypic traits. Genetic variability is important in that it increases the chance of survival for the population. Genetic diversity also reduces the incidences of unfavorable inherited traits by reducing inbreeding.