The cheetah gene pool is small today primarily due to multiple bottleneck events. These events are typically caused by drastic reductions in population size, which can lead to a loss of genetic diversity. Cheetahs have experienced several population declines throughout history, resulting in a limited number of individuals contributing to the gene pool. This has decreased the overall genetic variation in cheetahs today.
Additionally, inbreeding in zoos has further contributed to the small gene pool of cheetahs. In order to maintain captive populations, zoos often have a limited number of individuals to breed from. This can result in increased levels of inbreeding, reducing genetic diversity even further.
Other factors, such as poor adaptability and a lack of advantageous traits, may also contribute indirectly to the small gene pool. For example, if cheetahs possess traits that make them less likely to survive or reproduce in their environment, these traits may be selected against over time, leading to a loss of genetic diversity in the population. However, it is important to note that the primary factors leading to a small cheetah gene pool are multiple bottleneck events and inbreeding in zoos.
Why is the cheetah gene pool small today? (1 point)
Responses
multiple bottleneck events
inbreeding in zoos
poor adaptability
lack of advantageous traits
1 answer