Genetic variation leads to genetic diversity in populations and is the raw material for evolution. Biological systems have multiple processes, such as reproduction, that affect genetic variation. They are evolutionarily conserved and shared by various organisms. Which of the following statements best represents the connection between reproduction and evolution?

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Sexual reproduction increases genetic variation through the shuffling of genetic material, including random mutations, between organisms. This variation is the raw material for evolution. Asexually reproducing organisms, such as prokaryotes, lack this mechanism for introducing genetic diversity. Plants that use sexual reproduction are not rare, and mutations can occur at any point in an organism's life cycle, not just after fertilization.

Genetic Variation Leads to Genetic Diversity in Populations and Is