Question

The Florida panther (Puma concolor coryl) population had declined to approximately 20 to 30 individuals as a result of habitat loss and hunting. Many of the panthers had a genetic mutations due to inbreeding that affected their ability to reproduce and survive. Female Texas pumas (Puma concolor stanleyana) were introduced into Florida to mate with the endangered population of panthers. Hybrid panthers had more genetic variation and reproductive success than the Florida panthers.



Which table best represents the mechanism of evolution and the effect on the gene pool of the Florida panther population?

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Answer 1

Mechanism: Gene flow (migration — introduction of Texas pumas)

Effect on gene pool: New alleles introduced → increased genetic variation and heterozygosity, reduced inbreeding depression, and increased reproductive success (genetic rescue).