Question

Question

Which type of environment would tend to reduce genetic variation in a population because of evolution by natural selection?(1 point)
Responses

an ocean ecosystem that is becoming more acidic
an ocean ecosystem that is becoming more acidic

a tropical rainforest that is being deforested for farmland
a tropical rainforest that is being deforested for farmland

grasslands that are undergoing severe drought
grasslands that are undergoing severe drought

an old growth forest with trees that are over 1,500 years old

Answer 1

The type of environment that would tend to reduce genetic variation in a population because of evolution by natural selection is:

grasslands that are undergoing severe drought

Severe drought conditions can create strong selection pressures, favoring individuals with specific traits that enable them to survive under those conditions. This can lead to a reduced genetic variation, as only certain traits are favored, and those with less advantageous traits may perish, narrowing the genetic pool of the population.

Other environments mentioned may also affect genetic variation, but the severe and specific selection pressure from drought is particularly likely to lead to a rapid reduction in genetic diversity.