Multiple Choice
Why is genetic drift aptly named in the context of evolutionary biology?
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22. Evolution of Populations
Genetic Drift
Multiple Choice
Which of the following scenarios is an example of the founder effect in a population?
A
A population of rabbits undergoes a genetic mutation that spreads throughout the group.
B
A small group of birds colonizes a new island, leading to a unique gene pool.
C
A large population of fish experiences a sudden decrease in numbers due to overfishing.
D
A forest fire reduces the number of trees, affecting the genetic diversity of the surviving population.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of the founder effect: It occurs when a small group of individuals becomes isolated from a larger population, leading to a new population with a gene pool that is not representative of the original population.
Identify the key characteristics of the founder effect: It involves a small group starting a new population, often leading to reduced genetic variation compared to the original population.
Analyze each scenario: Determine if it involves a small group starting a new population with a unique gene pool.
Evaluate the scenario of a small group of birds colonizing a new island: This fits the definition of the founder effect as the birds establish a new population with potentially different genetic characteristics.
Conclude that the scenario of birds colonizing a new island is an example of the founder effect, as it involves the establishment of a new population from a small group, leading to a unique gene pool.
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