Biology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Biology CLEP Test with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with explanations and hints to ensure a full understanding. Boost your exam readiness today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

How does genetic variation occur in asexually reproducing species?

Through mutations
Through natural selection
Through random selection
Through cell division

The correct answer is: Through mutations

Asexual reproduction involves an organism creating an identical copy of itself, with no fusion of genetic material from another individual. Despite this lack of genetic exchange, genetic variation can still occur through mutations. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence of an organism, which can happen spontaneously or be triggered by external factors like radiation or chemicals. These mutations can lead to variations in physical traits or physiological characteristics within a species, adding to genetic diversity. The other options, such as natural selection, random selection, and cell division, do not directly contribute to genetic variation in asexually reproducing species. Natural selection and random selection rely on genetic variation already present in a population, while cell division creates identical copies of the parent cell without introducing new genetic material.