What are the two major mechanisms by which bacterial populations generate genetic diversity

The two major processes by which bacterial populations produce genetic diversity are gene transfer and mutation.

Explanation:

Gene transfer in bacteria occurs through conjugation. In the process of conjugation, the plasmid gets transferred from bacteria to another. Mitosis leads to the formation of two identical individuals.

In this process, the chromosome and the DNA content of the daughter cell remains the same as the mother cell. Bacteria also divides by the process of binary fission.