The black‐footed ferret was listed as endangered in the United States in the late 1960s. In the 1970s, it was thought that the species was extinct. However, a small population was discovered in Wyoming, in 1981. However, this remaining population dwindled to 18 individuals when an outbreak of sylvatic plague and canine distemper affected the black footed ferret.

Question

The black‐footed ferret was listed as endangered in the United States in the late 1960s. In the 1970s, it was thought that the species was extinct. However, a small population was discovered in Wyoming, in 1981. However, this remaining population dwindled to 18 individuals when an outbreak of sylvatic plague and canine distemper affected the black footed ferret.

What phenomenon is demonstrated in this case study?
Responses
A A population mutation that cause susceptibility to disease.A population mutation that cause susceptibility to disease.
B A population bottleneck that decreased genetic variation in the ferret population.A population bottleneck that decreased genetic variation in the ferret population.
C Artificial selection, as humans captively bred only the strongest individuals to survive and reproduce.Artificial selection, as humans captively bred only the strongest individuals to survive and reproduce.
D A gene flow from the surviving population to other members of the species that increased genetic variation.

Answer 1

B A population bottleneck that decreased genetic variation in the ferret population.

This case study demonstrates a population bottleneck, as the black-footed ferret population was significantly reduced to only 18 individuals due to an outbreak of diseases. This decrease in population size limited the genetic variation within the population, making the species more susceptible to further genetic issues and potential extinction.