Question

Which type of environment would tend to reduce genetic variation in a population because of evolution by natural selection? (1 point)
• a tropical rainforest that is being deforested for farmland
• grasslands that are undergoing severe drought
• an old growth forest with trees that are over 1,500 years old
• an ocean ecosystem that is becoming more acidic

Answer 1

The 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 puts significant stress on populations, favoring individuals with traits that allow them to survive under those specific conditions. This can lead to a reduction in genetic variation as those traits become more prevalent in the population, while other less favorable traits may be lost.