Question

as the human population grows and countries continue to develop, the demand for large fish has been steadily increasing. unfortunately, the average size of the cod has decreased because the fishing nets were designed to catch the large fish and the smaller individuals could escape more easily. what is most likely happening to the genetic variation of the population of north east arctic cod? the genetic variation in the population is increasing due to selective pressure. the genetic variation in the population is decreasing due to selective pressure. the genetic variation in the population is increasing due to gene flow. the genetic variation in the population is decreasing due to gene flow.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the scenario: Fishing nets catch large cod, so small cod (with genes for small size) survive and reproduce.
2. Selective pressure: This is directional selection (favoring small size), reducing genetic variation as traits for large size are removed.
3. Eliminate gene flow options: Gene flow involves transfer between populations, not described here. So the variation decreases due to selective pressure.

Answer:

The genetic variation in the population is decreasing due to selective pressure. (The option corresponding to this statement)