After a bottleneck event, the population of rabbits in an area has significantly decreased. A decade later, the population of the rabbits recovers to its original numbers. Which statement is correct about the rabbits? (1 point)

Question

Responses

They are more likely to survive environmental changes because of the bottleneck event.
They are more likely to survive environmental changes because of the bottleneck event.

They are less likely to survive environmental changes because of the bottleneck event.
They are less likely to survive environmental changes because of the bottleneck event.

They are as likely to survive environmental changes because their population has recovered.
They are as likely to survive environmental changes because their population has recovered.

They are as likely to survive environmental changes because they survived the bottleneck event.

Answer 1

The correct statement is:

They are less likely to survive environmental changes because of the bottleneck event.

Bottleneck events reduce genetic diversity within a population because only a small number of individuals contribute to the gene pool. This lack of genetic diversity can make the population more vulnerable to environmental changes, diseases, and other pressures because they have fewer variations that might confer resilience. Even if the population recovers to its original numbers, the genetic diversity may remain low, affecting their long-term survival.