A bottleneck event reduces the population of bears in one area by 80%. Which statement is correct about the bears' gene pool?

Question

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

When a bottleneck event reduces the population significantly, the gene pool becomes smaller, leading to a reduction in genetic diversity. This decreases the likelihood that advantageous traits will be passed on and can result in a higher frequency of disadvantageous traits within the reduced population, as there are fewer individuals to contribute to the genetic diversity of the population.