A bottleneck event reduces the population of bears in one area by 80%. Which statement is correct about the bears’ gene pool? (1 point)

Question

Responses

It has temporarily increased, so disadvantageous traits are more likely to be passed on.
It has temporarily increased, so disadvantageous traits are more likely to be passed on.

It has temporarily decreased, so disadvantageous traits are more likely to be passed on.
It has temporarily decreased, so disadvantageous traits are more likely to be passed on.

It has temporarily increased, so disadvantageous traits are less likely to be passed on.
It has temporarily increased, so disadvantageous traits are less likely to be passed on.

It has temporarily decreased, so disadvantageous traits are less likely to be passed on.

Answer 1

The correct statement is:

It has temporarily decreased, so disadvantageous traits are more likely to be passed on.

A bottleneck event drastically reduces the population size, which in turn reduces genetic diversity, or the gene pool. With fewer individuals to reproduce, there is a higher chance that disadvantageous traits will be passed on, as the remaining population may not represent the broader genetic diversity that existed prior to the event.