HS - LS3.B (A) - Variation of Traits - FINAL (WND 4/17/2014)

Module: Variation of Traits

DCI: LS3.B (A) In sexual reproduction, chromosomes can sometimes swap sections during the process of meiosis (cell division), thereby creating new genetic combinations of thus more genetic variation. Although DNA replication is tightly regulated and remarkably accurate, errors do occur and result in mutations, which are also a source of genetic variation. Environmental factors can also cause mutations in genes, and viable mutations are inherited.

PE: HS-LS3-2 Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on using data to support arguments for the way variation occurs.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include the phases of meiosis or the biochemical mechanism of specific steps in the process.]

The ideas here are: 

- during sexual reproduction, there can be cross-over of genetic materials through the process of meiosis.  

- This can result in new genetic combinations and increased variation within a population

- Sometimes errors occur during mitosis/meiosis, these errors are called mutations and can also increase genetic variation. 

- one other source of genetic variation is the influence of environmental factors, which can also cause heritable mutations. 

We can do things like ask, which of the following provides evidence for the idea that mutations can be caused by environmental factors... or we can go the opposite direction with that as well. 

We can also set up an 'investigation'... Scientists believe that mutations can occur when new combinations of genetic information result as a process of meiosis.  Which of the following would provide evidence for this claim?