Question

factors affecting genetic variation
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a high population of greater prairie chickens once inhabited the prairies of illinois. the conversion of the prairies into agricultural land caused the chickens to lose their habitat. studies have concluded that this change greatly reduced the greater prairie chicken population. the habitat loss also resulted in a decrease in the populations genetic variation.
which change in the gene pool occurred in the greater prairie chicken population?
gene mutation
gene flow
genetic drift
genetic resistance
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Explanation:

• Gene mutation: A change in the DNA sequence. There is no indication of this in the problem.
• Gene flow: The transfer of genes between populations. The problem is about a single population losing habitat, not gene transfer.
• Genetic drift: Random changes in allele frequencies, especially impactful in small populations. The population size decreased (due to habitat loss), making genetic drift more significant.
• Genetic resistance: Resistance to a specific factor (like a disease). Not relevant here.

Answer:

genetic drift