Which of the following senoriors will decrease the genetic variation of a population?

Question

1. An individual works out, increasing there muscles mass.
2. A mutation alters the sequence of a gene resulting in a new allele
3.a mutation in a chromosome makes it more likely to undergo genetic recombination
4. A population of birds suddenly decrease their frequency of sexual reproduction.

Answer 1

To determine which of the given scenarios will decrease the genetic variation of a population, let's analyze each one:

1. An individual works out, increasing their muscle mass.

   • This scenario involves a phenotypic change (increased muscle mass) due to individual behavior but does not change the underlying genetic variation within the population. Therefore, it does not decrease genetic variation.

2. A mutation alters the sequence of a gene resulting in a new allele.

   • This scenario actually increases genetic variation because it introduces a new allele into the population, providing more genetic diversity. Therefore, it does not decrease genetic variation.

3. A mutation in a chromosome makes it more likely to undergo genetic recombination.

   • Increased likelihood of genetic recombination typically promotes genetic diversity because it leads to new combinations of alleles. Thus, this scenario would not decrease genetic variation.

4. A population of birds suddenly decreases their frequency of sexual reproduction.

   • A decrease in sexual reproduction could lead to a reduction in genetic variation over time because fewer combinations of genes are being shuffled and passed on to future generations. This can result in a more homogenous population. Therefore, this scenario is likely to decrease genetic variation.

Based on this analysis, the scenario that will decrease the genetic variation of a population is:

4. A population of birds suddenly decreases their frequency of sexual reproduction.