Question

if a population has high genetic variation, what is the most likely outcome if its environment changes suddenly?
the population is more likely to survive the environmental change.
the population will become less adapted to the environment.
the population will stop having any genetic differences.
all individuals in the population will remain exactly the same

Explanation:

To determine the answer, we analyze the concept of genetic variation and environmental change. Populations with high genetic variation have more diverse traits. When the environment changes, some individuals with traits suited to the new environment are more likely to survive (natural selection).

• The first option ("The population is more likely to survive the environmental change") aligns with this: higher genetic variation means more chances of having advantageous traits for the new environment.
• The second option is incorrect: higher variation increases adaptability, not reduces it.
• The third option is incorrect: genetic variation doesn't stop; it's inherent and can be acted on by selection.
• The fourth option is incorrect: genetic variation means individuals aren't identical, and selection acts on differences.

Answer:

The population is more likely to survive the environmental change.