Which factor is crucial for the genetic diversity within a species?

Genetic recombination is a crucial factor for genetic diversity within a species because it introduces new combinations of genes into a population. This process occurs during sexual reproduction when gametes (sperm and egg) combine to create offspring with genetic material that is a mix of their parents' DNA.

This mixing can lead to variations in traits among individuals, which is essential for evolutionary processes. Increased genetic diversity enhances a population's ability to adapt to changing environments and resist diseases, ultimately contributing to the survival and evolutionary success of the species. In contrast, asexual reproduction leads to offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, which limits genetic variation. Natural extinction affects species diversity rather than genetic diversity within a species, and environmental stability may maintain existing diversity but does not create new genetic combinations.