Why are the gene pools of smai! populations reduced compared to those of larger populations? (1 point)
The gene pools of small populations are reduced compared to those of larger populations primarily due to genetic drift and inbreeding.
Genetic drift occurs when the frequency of certain alleles (alternative forms of a gene) in a population changes purely by chance. In small populations, the effects of genetic drift can be more pronounced, as chance events can have a greater impact on the gene pool. This can lead to the random loss or fixation of certain alleles, reducing the overall genetic diversity of the population.
Inbreeding is another factor that affects the gene pool of small populations. Inbreeding occurs when individuals with similar genetic backgrounds mate with each other, increasing the likelihood of offspring inheriting harmful or detrimental recessive alleles. With limited individuals to choose from in a small population, there is a higher chance of mating between closely related individuals, leading to inbreeding. This further reduces genetic diversity and can increase the prevalence of genetic disorders or health problems.
Overall, the reduced size of small populations increases the vulnerability to genetic drift and inbreeding, which lead to a reduction in gene pool diversity compared to larger populations.