Question

which environmental factor would likely lead to an increase in genetic variation in a population of squirrels?
○ an increase in predators
○ an increase in available food
○ an increase in forest fires
○ an increase in pollution

Explanation:

• An increase in predators would likely lead to natural selection pressure, reducing genetic variation as only certain traits (e.g., better escape mechanisms) might be favored.
• An increase in forest fires could cause a bottleneck effect (a sharp reduction in population size), decreasing genetic variation.
• An increase in pollution could also act as a selective pressure, potentially reducing genetic variation as some individuals may not be able to tolerate the pollutants.
• An increase in available food would allow for a larger population size. Larger populations generally have more genetic variation because there are more individuals contributing different alleles to the gene pool.

Answer:

an increase in available food