Which of the following are sources of genetic variation?

The correct response highlights mutation and recombination of genes as prominent sources of genetic variation.

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence, which can introduce new alleles into a population. They can occur spontaneously or be induced by environmental factors, and they represent the raw material for evolution since they produce new genetic material that may lead to phenotypic variations.

Recombination, specifically during meiosis, shuffles alleles between homologous chromosomes through processes such as crossing over. This reshuffling generates new combinations of alleles in offspring, contributing to genetic diversity within a population. The combination of mutations and recombination enhances the genetic variability that provides the foundation for evolution through natural selection and other evolutionary processes.

While the other options mention various mechanisms and concepts associated with genetics and evolution, they do not directly identify primary sources of genetic variation. In particular, natural selection and adaptation occur after genetic variation has been established—they are the processes that act on the variation rather than generating it.