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Multiple Choice
When biologists introduce a small population of lizards onto an island as part of a conservation effort, which genetic phenomenon is most likely to affect the new population?
A
Founder effect
B
Gene flow
C
Mutualism
D
Stabilizing selection
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of the 'Founder Effect': The founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population. This small population may have reduced genetic variation compared to the original population, and certain alleles may become more common due to chance.
Compare the founder effect to other genetic phenomena listed in the problem: Gene flow refers to the transfer of alleles between populations, mutualism describes a symbiotic relationship between species, and stabilizing selection is a type of natural selection that favors intermediate traits. These phenomena are distinct from the founder effect.
Consider the scenario described in the problem: A small population of lizards is introduced to an island. This situation aligns with the founder effect because the new population is derived from a small subset of the original population, potentially leading to genetic drift and reduced genetic diversity.
Evaluate why gene flow, mutualism, and stabilizing selection are less relevant: Gene flow requires interaction between populations, mutualism involves interspecies relationships, and stabilizing selection focuses on trait selection within a population. None of these directly describe the genetic consequences of establishing a small population.
Conclude that the founder effect is the most likely genetic phenomenon to affect the new population of lizards, as it directly relates to the introduction of a small population and its genetic implications.