Unit 7: Topic 12 - Variations in Populations

Question 1

How is a population’s ability to adapt to change related to its genetic diversity?

Answer 1

Greater genetic diversity in a population allows for a greater ability to adapt to changing conditions. This is due to the greater chance for an organism to hold an advantageous trait in the environment. Low genetic diversity can increase the chances of extinction and population decline since species will have a lower likelihood of adapting to changing conditions.

Question 2

Why do selective pressures determine whether an allele is advantageous?

Answer 2

An environment’s natural selective pressure determines whether an organism’s phenotype is beneficial. When an environment/selective pressure changes, the past phenotype may be disadvantageous.