Question

Sol.(c) [Key Concept: Genetic Variation — Mutations and Recombination] Genetic variation arises due to both MUTATIONS AND RECOMBINATION. Mutations create new alleles by altering DNA sequences; recombination (crossing over during meiosis, independent assortment) creates new combinations of existing alleles. Both are essential sources of raw material for evolution. Reproductive isolation and selection are evolutionary mechanisms that SORT existing variation — they don't directly CREATE new genetic variation.