Due to a rapid change in the environment, a population of ants was reduced from one million to one thousand. What type of genetic drift will occur in the gene pool of this population when it expands again?
A) Gene flow
B) Migration
C) Natural selection
D) The founder effect
E) A genetic bottleneck

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A genetic bottleneck occurs when a population's size is significantly reduced for at least one generation, leading to a loss of genetic variation. The scenario described, where the ant population decreases drastically, is a classic example of a bottleneck event. When the population expands again, the genetic diversity will be based on the reduced gene pool of the survivors, not the original population.

Due to a Rapid Change in the Environment, a Population