Which of the following accurately describes a lethal condition in terms of genetics?

Prepare for the DIVE Biology Quarterly Exam 2 with multiple choice questions, flashcards, hints, and explanations. Strengthen your understanding and ace your upcoming test!

A lethal condition in genetics is defined as a genetic abnormality that results in the death of an organism or prevents it from developing into a viable phenotype. This can occur at various stages of development, from the embryonic phase to postnatal life. When such a condition is present, the affected organism cannot survive or reproduce, thus leading to a situation where the genetic material responsible for the lethal condition is not passed on to future generations. This concept is crucial in understanding how certain genetic disorders can affect population dynamics and the overall genetic landscape.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a lethal genetic condition. For instance, genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a population and is not directly related to lethality. Similarly, enhancing reproductive success contradicts the definition of a lethal condition, as such conditions typically prevent reproduction. Lastly, while many lethal conditions are recessive, not all are; for instance, some dominant lethal alleles can also lead to death, particularly if they are expressed early in development. Thus, the nature of lethality encompasses more than just the recessive aspect, making option A the most accurate statement.

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