In 1986, a nuclear power accident in Chernobyl, USSR (now Ukraine), led to high radiation levels for miles surrounding the plant. The high levels of radiation caused elevated mutation rates in the surviving organisms, and evolutionary biologists have been studying rodent populations in the Chernobyl area ever since. Which of the following events most likely occurred in the rodent populations following the accident?
A) Mutation caused major changes in rodent physiology over time.
B) Mutation led to increased genetic variation.
C) Mutation caused genetic drift and decreased fitness.
D) Mutation caused the fixation of new alleles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mutation led to increased genetic variation. High levels of radiation can cause mutations in DNA, leading to genetic changes. In the context of evolutionary biology, these mutations can increase genetic variation within a population, providing a broader range of traits for natural selection to act upon.

In 1986, a Nuclear Power Accident in Chernobyl, USSR (Now