Question

which would most likely result in an increase in genetic variation in a population?
an increase in predators and a decrease in food
an increase in predators and an increase in food
a decrease in predators and an increase in food
a decrease in predators and a decrease in food

Explanation:

When there is a decrease in predators, more individuals in the population are likely to survive. An increase in food means there are more resources available for the population to grow. With more individuals surviving and the population size increasing, there is a greater chance for genetic variation to occur through processes like mutation, recombination during reproduction etc. In contrast, if there are more predators (they would kill off many individuals, reducing the number of potential genetic carriers) or less food (limiting population growth and thus the number of individuals that can contribute to genetic variation), genetic variation is less likely to increase.

Answer:

a decrease in predators and an increase in food