Question

Fruit flies have 8 chromosomes in their body cells, while dandelion cells have 16 chromosomes. Which species do you predict makes the more genetically varied offspring? Cite evidence from the model of meiosis to support your prediction.

Answer 1

The offspring of fruit fly and dandelion cells with 8 and 16 chromosomes, respectively has the same genetic variability as both the organisms are diploid in nature.

Step-by-step explanation:

What are Genetic variations?

Genetic variation is the difference in the DNA molecules among the individuals or the differences between populations of different organisms. The multiple sources of genetic variation are mutation and genetic recombination. Mutations are the changes in the genetic material which are the ultimate sources of genetic variation in species, but other mechanisms, include genetic drift.

Offspring of Fruit flies and dandelion cells have the same genetic variability because both of the organisms are diploid. During Meiosis, each and every diploid species undergo similar mechanism.

During meiotic division, the genetic material of the cell is reduced to half. Gametes cells have n (haploid) cells, whereas somatic cells include 2n (diploid) cells.