Question

1. in genetic terms, what indicates that evolution is occurring in a population? 2. how do mutation, genetic recombination during sexual reproduction, and lateral gene transfer produce genetic variation?

Explanation:

1. Genetic variation is a sign of evolution. Mutations introduce new alleles, genetic recombination shuffles existing alleles during sexual reproduction, and lateral gene transfer moves genes between different organisms. All these processes change the genetic makeup of a population over time, which is the essence of evolution.
2. Mutations are changes in DNA sequence. During sexual reproduction, genetic recombination occurs through processes like crossing - over in meiosis and random assortment of chromosomes, creating new combinations of alleles. Lateral gene transfer allows genes to be transferred between non - related organisms, also adding new genetic material to a population.

Answer:

1. A change in allele frequencies in a population over time indicates that evolution is occurring.
2. Mutations produce genetic variation by creating new alleles. Genetic recombination during sexual reproduction shuffles existing alleles to produce new combinations. Lateral gene transfer moves genes between different organisms, adding new genetic material to a population.