Question

Why are the gene pools of small populations reduced compared to those of larger populations? (1 point)
Responses

lack of suitable mates
lack of suitable mates

lack of advantageous traits
lack of advantageous traits

bottleneck events
bottleneck events

inbreeding
inbreeding
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1 answer

The correct response is inbreeding.

In small populations, individuals are more likely to breed with closely related mates, which can decrease genetic diversity and reduce the gene pool. This limited genetic variation can result in inbreeding depression, where the population becomes more susceptible to diseases and less adaptable to environmental changes.