A population of rabbits inhabits an ecosystem. A river that flows through the ecosystem changes course, isolating a small population of rabbits from the larger population. Which of the following will most likely happen to these two populations of rabbits over time?
A. The two populations will develop identical changes in their genome, which will cause both populations to develop identical favorable traits.
B. The two populations will develop different gene mutations, which will eventually lead to the two populations becoming separate species.
C. The two populations will regularly reproduce with each other, which will increase the gene flow between the populations.
D. The two populations will only pass on favorable traits to their offspring, which will cause the populations to become genetically identical.
B. The two populations will develop different gene mutations, which will eventually lead to the two populations becoming separate species.
The most likely scenario in this situation is option B: The two populations will develop different gene mutations, which will eventually lead to the two populations becoming separate species.
When the river changes course and isolates a small population of rabbits from the larger population, the separated population will be geographically isolated. This geographical isolation can lead to changes in the genetic makeup of the isolated population over time.
With the small population being separated, its gene pool will be limited to the genetic variation present in the individuals that were cut off from the larger population. These individuals may carry different gene mutations or variations compared to the larger population.
Over generations, different random mutations may arise in the isolated population. Mutations occur naturally and can lead to genetic differences between populations. Over time, these accumulated genetic differences can become significant enough to cause reproductive barriers between the two populations. Reproductive barriers can prevent individuals from the two populations from successfully interbreeding and can lead to the formation of separate species.
Therefore, option B is the most likely outcome. It is important to note that while the isolated population may develop different traits, these traits may not necessarily be "favorable" in the sense of survival and reproduction. Evolution is an unpredictable and complex process, and the outcomes may vary in different scenarios.