a
The lizards on either side of the river passed genetic mutations onto their offspring. Mutations decrease biodiversity as they remove unique genotypes from the gene pool.
A population of a lizard species lives in an ecosystem. An increase in rainfall causes a river to form in the ecosystem, separating members of the population. The river remains in the ecosystem for two years. After a long period of drought, the river dries up, and the lizards live together again. The diagrams show the change to the ecosystem.
image 882d6122d6b74c1e9e40d174f27d5ba8
Which statements BEST describe what happened to the lizards and the effect on biodiversity?
a
The lizards on either side of the river passed genetic mutations onto their offspring. Mutations decrease biodiversity as they remove unique genotypes from the gene pool.
b
The lizards on either side of the river did not experience gene flow and became two different species. An increase in the number of species in an area increases biodiversity.
c
The lizards on either side of the river adapted their physical characteristic to their environment. Adaptations decrease biodiversity as characteristics of the original population are lost.
d
The lizards on either side of the river maintained identical gene sequences. Identical gene sequences increase biodiversity by ensuring genetic information is passed onto offspring.
1 answer