Which term is another commonly used for genetic variation within a population?

• A. Mutation
• B. Adaptation
• C. Genetic variation
• D. Genotype

Answer: (C)

Genetic variation among individuals in a population refers to the differences in their genetic makeup, specifically the variety of alleles that exist within that group. This diversity is the term used to describe the variation present, and it serves as the raw material that evolution acts upon. Mutation would be a source of new variation, not the variation itself. Adaptation is the process by which traits that improve survival become more common over time. Genotype describes the specific genetic constitution of an individual, not the variation across the population. So the term that best fits the prompt is genetic variation.