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 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 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 less likely to be passed on.

Answer 1

The correct statement regarding the bears’ gene pool after an 80% reduction in population due to a bottleneck event is:

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

During a bottleneck event, the genetic diversity of the population decreases significantly, which can lead to a higher frequency of both advantageous and disadvantageous traits becoming fixed in the remaining gene pool. With fewer individuals contributing to the gene pool, the likelihood of passing on disadvantageous traits increases as a result of reduced genetic variation.