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 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.
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 decreased, so disadvantageous traits are more 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 occurs, it significantly reduces the population size, which leads to a loss of genetic diversity (i.e., a decrease in the gene pool). As the gene pool decreases, the likelihood of certain genetic traits (including potentially disadvantageous ones) being passed on can increase, particularly if the remaining population reproduces from a smaller set of individuals.