Why are the gene pools of small populations reduced compared to those of larger populations? (1 point)
Responses
inbreeding
inbreeding
lack of suitable mates
lack of suitable mates
bottleneck events
bottleneck events
lack of advantageous traitsM
All of the responses provided are correct. In small populations, there is an increased risk of inbreeding, which can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity. This is because there are fewer individuals available to mate, resulting in a higher likelihood of mating with close relatives. This can lead to the expression of harmful recessive traits and a decrease in overall fitness.
Additionally, small populations may lack suitable mates due to geographical or ecological factors. Limited gene flow can restrict the introduction of new genetic material, resulting in reduced genetic diversity. This can increase the risk of genetic disorders and decrease the ability of a population to adapt to changing environments.
Bottleneck events also contribute to the reduction in gene pools of small populations. These events occur when a large portion of a population is suddenly and drastically reduced in size, often due to natural disasters or human activities. The surviving individuals carry only a fraction of the original genetic diversity, limiting the variation in the gene pool and making the population more susceptible to genetic disorders and reduced adaptability.
Finally, a lack of advantageous traits in small populations can also contribute to the reduction in gene pools. With limited individuals available for mating, there is a decreased chance of new advantageous mutations occurring and being passed on to the next generation. This can limit the potential for adaptation and survival in changing environments.