Question

a new pesticide has been introduced to the habitat of this population of beetles.
which describes the effect of this environmental change?
○ decreased genetic variation
○ increased genetic variation
○ genetic drift
○ gene flow

Explanation:

When a pesticide is introduced, it likely kills many beetles, especially those without resistance. This reduces the number of different genotypes (since some genetic traits, like susceptibility, are removed), leading to decreased genetic variation. Increased genetic variation would mean more diversity, which isn't the case here. Genetic drift is random change (not due to selection like pesticide), and gene flow involves movement between populations (not shown here).

Answer:

A. decreased genetic variation