Why are the gene pools of small populations reduced compared to those of larger populations? (1 point)
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• bottleneck events
• inbreeding
• lack of suitable mates
• lack of advantageous traits
There are several reasons why the gene pools of small populations tend to be reduced compared to those of larger populations:
1. Bottleneck events: Small populations are more vulnerable to experiencing bottleneck events, which occur when the population size is drastically reduced due to natural disasters, diseases, or other catastrophic events. This sudden reduction in population size leads to a loss of genetic diversity as certain alleles may be lost or become more prevalent, resulting in a smaller gene pool.
2. Inbreeding: In small populations, individuals are more likely to be closely related to one another, leading to increased inbreeding. Inbreeding reduces genetic diversity by increasing the likelihood of inheriting the same detrimental alleles from both parents, which can decrease overall fitness and increase the risk of genetic disorders.
3. Lack of suitable mates: In small populations, there may be a limited number of potential mates available. This can lead to reduced genetic diversity as individuals may be forced to mate with closely related individuals, resulting in inbreeding and a smaller gene pool.
4. Lack of advantageous traits: Small populations may have a limited pool of advantageous traits due to their reduced genetic diversity. This can make it more difficult for them to adapt and survive in changing environments compared to larger populations with greater genetic variation.
Overall, the combination of bottleneck events, inbreeding, limited mating opportunities, and limited advantageous traits contribute to the reduction of gene pools in small populations.