Question

why are the gene pools of small populations reduced compared to those of larger populations?
a lack of advantageous traits
b lack of suitable

c inbreeding

Answer 1

The gene pools of small populations are reduced compared to those of larger populations primarily due to **c) inbreeding**.

In small populations, individuals are more likely to breed with closely related individuals, which increases the chances of expressing harmful recessive traits and reduces genetic diversity. This can lead to inbreeding depression, where the fitness of the population is compromised due to the accumulation of deleterious alleles.

While lack of advantageous traits (a) and lack of suitable genetic variation (b) can also occur in small populations, they are often consequences of inbreeding and the reduced gene pool rather than primary reasons. Inbreeding is the key factor that directly impacts the genetic structure of small populations.