Question

question 2 (mandatory) (2 points)
a huge reduction in population size that can reduce a populations genetic diversity is called a __________.
founder effect
gene flow
population bottleneck
fixed allele

Explanation:

• Founder effect: Occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population. It's about a new population start - not a huge reduction in an existing population.
• Gene flow: Refers to the transfer of genetic material between populations. It's about movement of genes between populations, not a reduction in a single population's size.
• Population bottleneck: Happens when a population's size is drastically reduced (e.g., due to natural disasters, over - hunting). This reduction can lead to a loss of genetic diversity as only a subset of the original gene pool remains.
• Fixed allele: An allele that has a frequency of 100% in a population. It's about allele frequency within a population, not population size reduction.

Answer:

Population bottleneck