Factors Affecting Biological Diversity Answers

A scientist has been tracking and studying a population of deer in Yellowstone National Park. He surveys the population every six months. Usually, the population is thriving and has a gene pool with a wide variety of traits. But during one six-month period, an event occurred that affected the population, and when the scientist returned, the amount of genetic variation had decreased significantly. Which of the following is most likely the event that occurred to change the population?

In a population of seals, most of the seals have similar coloring. However, one seal has albinism. This seal is white and is almost completely blind. What is most likely the cause of this difference from the rest of the population?

Which environmental factor could lead to a decrease in genetic variation in a population of tuna?

A new pesticide has been introduced to the habitat of this population of beetles.Which describes the effect of this environmental change?

Which term best describes the difference in colors of the birds below?

A group of students is walking in the park, and one of them takes a picture of a pollen grain that is being blown by the wind. What caption can the student use for this picture?

Which environmental factor would likely lead to an increase in genetic variation in a population of squirrels?

Which of the following best defines gene flow?

A population of birds lives on a small island. Another population of the same species lives on the mainland. The distance between the island and the mainland is too great for birds to fly back and forth. Recently, a series of sandbars and tiny islands have formed between the island and the mainland. What is the most likely effect of this?