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Multiple Choice
How can artificial selection decrease a population's biodiversity?
A
By promoting random mating among all individuals
B
By encouraging gene flow from other populations
C
By increasing the mutation rate and introducing new alleles
D
By favoring specific traits and reducing the genetic variation within the population
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of artificial selection: Artificial selection is a process where humans intentionally select specific traits in organisms to be passed on to future generations. This is different from natural selection, which occurs without human intervention.
Recognize the impact of favoring specific traits: When certain traits are consistently chosen, individuals with those traits are more likely to reproduce, while others with different traits may not. This reduces the variety of traits in the population over time.
Connect this to genetic variation: Genetic variation refers to the diversity of alleles (versions of genes) within a population. By favoring specific traits, artificial selection limits the range of alleles that are passed on, reducing genetic variation.
Understand the relationship between genetic variation and biodiversity: Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life forms and genetic differences within a population. Reduced genetic variation leads to decreased biodiversity because fewer unique traits and alleles are present.
Conclude how artificial selection decreases biodiversity: Artificial selection decreases biodiversity by favoring specific traits, which reduces genetic variation and limits the overall diversity within the population.