Long-term studies of Belding's ground squirrels show that immigrants move nearly 2 kilometers from where they are born and become 1%-8% of the males and 0.7%-6% of the females in other populations. On an evolutionary scale, why is this significant?
A) These immigrants make up for the deaths of individuals, keeping the other populations' size stable.
B) These immigrants provide a source of genetic diversity for the other populations.
C) Those individuals that emigrate to these new populations are looking for less crowded conditions with more resources.
D) Gradually, the populations of ground squirrels will move from a clumped to a uniform population pattern of dispersion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The movement of immigrants provides a source of genetic diversity for the other populations, which can increase their adaptive potential and help them better cope with changing environmental conditions. This is significant on an evolutionary scale because genetic diversity is a key factor in the process of natural selection and adaptation.

Long-Term Studies of Belding's Ground Squirrels Show That Immigrants Move