Question

a population of snakes that eat small rodents enters a new habitat. in the new habitat, there are many species of rodents, and their populations are high because there are few natural predators. what will most likely be the effect on the genetic variation of the snake population?
○ genetic variation will increase because of a selective pressure.
○ genetic variation will increase because of a new habitat and food source.
○ genetic variation will decrease because of a selective pressure.
○ genetic variation will decrease because of a new habitat and food source.

Explanation:

The snake population enters a new habitat with abundant rodent prey (new food source) and a new environment. A new habitat and food source can lead to new selective pressures and opportunities for adaptation, which typically increases genetic variation as the population adapts to the new conditions. Option A: Selective pressure here—if there's abundant food, selective pressure might not be the main driver for increase. Option C and D suggest decrease, which is incorrect as new habitats/food often promote variation through adaptation. So the correct reasoning supports the second option.

Answer:

B. Genetic variation will increase because of a new habitat and food source.