Here's why:
* Mitosis is a process of cell division that produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell. It is primarily for growth and repair, not for creating new genetic combinations.
Here are some mechanisms that are sources of genetic variation:
* Meiosis: This is the process of cell division that produces gametes (sex cells). It involves recombination (crossing over) of chromosomes and independent assortment of chromosomes, leading to unique combinations of genes in each gamete.
* Mutation: Changes in the DNA sequence can occur spontaneously or due to environmental factors. These mutations can introduce new alleles (versions of genes) into a population.
* Gene Flow: The movement of individuals (and their genes) between populations can introduce new alleles into a population, increasing genetic variation.
* Sexual Reproduction: The combination of genetic material from two parents during fertilization creates offspring with unique gene combinations, contributing to genetic variation.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
