[Campbell Biology P.614] According to the 'Gene Duplications and Gene Families' section, wha... | Practice Question

According to the 'Gene Duplications and Gene Families' section, what significant evolutionary role does gene duplication play?

  • A: It reduces the overall genetic diversity within a population.
  • B: It increases the number of genes in the genome, providing more opportunities for further evolutionary changes.
  • C: It always leads to the immediate loss of original gene function.
  • D: It primarily serves to correct mutations in existing genes.

Explanation

The section 'Gene Duplications and Gene Families' states: 'Consider gene duplication, which can play an important role in evolution because it increases the number of genes in the genome, providing more opportunities for further evolutionary changes.'