Two languages have a genetic relationship, and belong to the same language family, if both are descended from a common ancestor, or one is descended from the other.The term and the process of language evolution are independent of, and not reliant on, the terminology, understanding and theories related to biological genetics, and to avoid confusion, some …

Genetic variation is the difference in DNA among individuals or the differences between populations. The multiple sources of genetic variation include mutation and genetic recombination. Mutations are the ultimate sources of genetic variation, but other mechanisms, such as sexual reproduction and genetic drift, contribute to it, as well.