Question

A bottleneck event reduces the population of bears in one area by 80%. Which statement is correct about the bears’ gene pool? (1 point)

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.

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

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

Answer 1

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

Reason: a bottleneck drastically reduces genetic diversity (a smaller gene pool). In small populations genetic drift and inbreeding can cause harmful alleles to increase in frequency by chance and make selection less effective at removing them.