A small population of lizards on an isolated island experiences a severe storm that drastically reduces its size. Over time, the genetic variation in this population decreases significantly. Which of the following best explains this scenario?Question 5Answera.Gene Flowb.Founder Effectc.Bottleneck Effectd.Natural Selection
Question
A small population of lizards on an isolated island experiences a severe storm that drastically reduces its size. Over time, the genetic variation in this population decreases significantly. Which of the following best explains this scenario?Question 5Answera.Gene Flowb.Founder Effectc.Bottleneck Effectd.Natural Selection
Solution
The scenario described is best explained by the Bottleneck Effect. Here's why:
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The severe storm drastically reduces the size of the lizard population. This is a random event that significantly decreases the population size.
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The Bottleneck Effect occurs when a population's size is reduced for at least one generation.
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Because of this reduction, the remaining population has less genetic variation. This is because there are fewer individuals to carry different alleles (versions of a gene).
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Over time, this reduced genetic variation can lead to a decrease in the population's ability to adapt to new selective pressures, such as disease or changes in climate.
So, the correct answer is c. Bottleneck Effect.
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