What term refers to the differences in inherited traits among individuals within a population?

• A. Genetic variation
• B. Genetic drift
• C. Phenotypic variation
• D. Allelic variation

Answer: (A)

The term that refers to the differences in inherited traits among individuals within a population is genetic variation. This encompasses the diverse alleles present in a population's gene pool, giving rise to the observable differences in traits, such as color, size, and shape, among individuals. Genetic variation is crucial for the process of evolution, as it provides the material on which natural selection can act.

On the other hand, genetic drift describes random changes in allele frequencies in a population over time, often due to chance events rather than the selection of traits. Phenotypic variation pertains to the observable characteristics resulting from both genetic and environmental influences, but does not exclusively focus on inherited traits. Allelic variation specifically refers to the different forms of alleles at a particular gene locus within the population. While all of these concepts relate to biology and genetics, genetic variation specifically captures the essence of inherited differences, making it the most appropriate term.