Of the following, which evolutionary process has the greatest chance of reducing genetic variation in a population across the greatest number of genes at once?
A) selection for a trait related to feeding
B) the sudden merging of two large populations that had been kept separate for several generations
C) selection for a trait related to reproduction
D) genetic drift in small populations

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic drift in small populations has the greatest chance of reducing genetic variation across the greatest number of genes at once because it can lead to the loss of alleles or variants of genes at random, particularly in smaller populations. This process can occur more rapidly and with greater effect in smaller populations, particularly when there are environmental pressures. Selection for a specific trait or trait related to feeding or reproduction may reduce variation in that trait, but not necessarily across a large number of genes. The sudden merging of two large populations can increase genetic variation rather than reduce it, particularly if the populations were previously isolated and have accumulated different variants of genes.

Of the Following, Which Evolutionary Process Has the Greatest Chance