Australian Year 10 Biology Practice Test 2026 - Free Biology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Genetic variation in a population refers to the diversity in gene frequencies, which can manifest in a variety of traits within that population. The presence of different colors in a flower species exemplifies this concept because it indicates that different alleles (versions of a gene) are present within the gene pool. These variations arise from mutations, sexual reproduction, and gene flow, leading to diverse phenotypes—such as color differences—within the same species.

In contrast, an increase in population size over time simply indicates demographic growth and does not inherently reflect genetic diversity. The uniformity of traits in a cloned group of animals highlights a lack of genetic variation, as cloning produces genetically identical organisms. A decrease in available resources for a species relates more to ecological dynamics and survival challenges, rather than directly illustrating genetic diversity. Therefore, the presence of different colors in a flower species is the best example of genetic variation within a population.