Question

factors affecting genetic variation
quiz complete
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which of the following is least likely to change the gene pool of a population of chipmunks?
a pesticide poisons and kills a large number of chipmunks.
a group of chipmunks moves to a new habitat.
a number of chipmunks die due to old age.
a genetic mutation causes some of the chipmunks to have larger eyes.
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Explanation:

• Option A: Pesticide - killing a large number of chipmunks can lead to a bottleneck effect (a form of genetic drift). Genetic drift changes the gene pool as the remaining individuals' genes are over - represented compared to the original population.
• Option B: Migration (a group moving to a new habitat) can cause gene flow. Gene flow is the transfer of genes from one population to another, which changes the gene pool of the original population (as some genes leave with the migrants).
• Option C: Chipmunks dying due to old age is a natural part of the life - cycle and does not introduce new genetic variation or remove a non - random sample of genes (assuming no age - related genetic biases in survival). In a stable population, the proportion of genes in the gene pool remains relatively unchanged if death is due to old age in a non - selective way.
• Option D: Genetic mutation introduces new genetic variation. New alleles (gene variants) are added to the gene pool.

Answer:

C. A number of chipmunks die due to old age.