Hunting reduced the population size of the northern elephant seal to as few as 20 individuals at the end of the 19th century. Their population has since rebounded to over 30,000, but they have much less genetic variation than a population of southern elephant seals that was not so intensely hunted. How is the lack of genetic variation related to the hunting episodes of the 1800's?

Question

Responses
A Genetic drift occurred: the few individuals left behind were the seals that passed on that specific gene pool.Genetic drift occurred: the few individuals left behind were the seals that passed on that specific gene pool.
B Adaptation occurred: some seals were able to adapt to the hunting environment and they survived to pass on their genes.Adaptation occurred: some seals were able to adapt to the hunting environment and they survived to pass on their genes.
C During the 1800's some northern seals migrated and were able to survive. That gene pool is found in the current population.During the 1800's some northern seals migrated and were able to survive. That gene pool is found in the current population.
D Natural selection occurred: only the strongest northern elephant seals survived in the 1880's and that restricted gene pool exists today.

Answer 1

A. Genetic drift occurred: the few individuals left behind were the seals that passed on that specific gene pool.