Factors Affecting Genetic Variation Quiz Flashcards
A population of birds lives on a small island. Another population of the same species lives on the mainland. The distance between the island and the mainland is too great for birds to fly back and forth. Recently, a series of sandbars and tiny islands have formed between the island and the mainland.
What is the most likely effect of this?
An increase in gene flow between the bird populations
In a population of seals, most of the seals have similar coloring. However, one seal has albinism. This seal is white and is almost completely blind. What is most likely the cause of this difference from the rest of the population?
Gene mutation
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 new habitat and food source
Genetic drift in a population affects the gene pool in which of the following ways?
Decrease in genetic variation
A new pesticide has been introduced to the habitat of this population of beetles.
Which describes the effect of this environmental change?
Decreased genetic variation
Which environmental factor would likely lead to an increase in genetic variation in a population of squirrels?
An increase in available food
Which environmental factor could lead to a decrease in genetic variation in a population of tuna?
An increase in pollution
Which term best describes the difference in colors of the birds below?
Genetic variation
Environmental factors can influence natural selection because they can increase or decrease
The amount of genetic variation in a population
Which would most likely result in an increase in genetic variation in a population?
A decrease in predators and an increase in food
