Although there are approximately 10,000 cheetahs left in the wild, biologists think that their numbers were much lower at some time in the past because cheetah populations have very little genetic variation. What is the most likely reason for the lack of genetic variability in cheetahs?
A) Environmental stochasticity
B) Demographic stochasticity
C) Genetic stochasticity
D) Genetic drift

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that leads to a change in the genetic makeup of a population due to random events. It is most pronounced in small populations and can lead to a reduction in genetic variation, which is likely what happened to cheetahs in the past.

Although There Are Approximately 10,000 Cheetahs Left in the Wild