decide which examples are most likely to increase variation or decrease variation. some examples could do…
decide which examples are most likely to increase variation or decrease variation. some examples could do both. which of the following could possibly increase genetic variation indirectly? toxins predator - prey relationships competition new habitat disasters increased food supply done
Answer
Brief Explanations:
- Toxins: Can cause mutations (indirectly increasing genetic variation as mutations are a source, though toxins usually harm, but some mutations might occur).
- Predator - prey relationships: Drive natural selection; organisms with traits aiding survival (from genetic variation) are selected, and over time, this can lead to more variation as populations adapt.
- Competition: Similar to predator - prey, it drives natural selection. Organisms with advantageous genetic traits (variation) are more likely to survive and reproduce, promoting more variation.
- New habitat: A new habitat has new selection pressures. Organisms with genetic variations suited to the new habitat will thrive, leading to increased variation as the population adapts.
- Disasters: Can cause bottlenecks or founder effects. Bottlenecks reduce variation initially but can lead to new variation as the population recovers (e.g., new mutations in a smaller gene pool). Founder effects start with a small gene pool, and new mutations or genetic drift can increase variation.
- Increased food supply: Reduces selection pressure (less competition for food). This allows more organisms to survive, including those with different genetic traits, and can lead to increased genetic variation over time as more genotypes are represented.
Answer:
A. toxins, B. predator - prey relationships, C. competition, D. new habitat, E. disasters, F. increased food supply