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
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• lack of advantageous traits
- Bottleneck events: Small populations are more prone to experiencing bottleneck events, which are sudden and drastic reductions in population size. During a bottleneck event, the genetic diversity of a population can be significantly reduced as only a small subset of individuals survives and reproduces. This can result in the loss of beneficial genetic variations and an overall reduction in the gene pool.
- Inbreeding: In small populations, individuals are more likely to mate with close relatives due to limited options for compatible mates. This can lead to inbreeding, which increases the risk of genetic disorders and decreases overall genetic diversity. Inbreeding reduces the gene pool by promoting the transmission of harmful recessive traits and diminishing the presence of advantageous traits.
- Lack of suitable mates: Small populations may have limited options for mates, either due to geographic isolation or low population numbers. This limited gene flow from outside sources can result in reduced genetic diversity and a smaller gene pool.
- Lack of advantageous traits: In small populations, there is a higher likelihood of losing advantageous traits. This is because genetic variations that confer advantages, such as resistance to diseases or adaptations to specific environmental conditions, may not be present or easily maintained in a small population. As a result, small populations may have a reduced gene pool with fewer beneficial traits.