The sharp reduction of the gene pool and the numbers of a population through a severe epidemic is an example of ____.
A) natural selection
B) genetic isolation
C) the bottleneck effect
D) the founder effect
E) the wild card effect

Question

The sharp reduction of the gene pool and the numbers of a population through a severe epidemic is an example of ____.  
A) natural selection
B) genetic isolation
C) the bottleneck effect
D) the founder effect
E) the wild card effect

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bottleneck effect occurs when a population is significantly reduced in number due to an environmental event or catastrophe such as an epidemic or natural disaster. This can result in a sharp reduction of the gene pool as only a small proportion of the original population survives and reproduces, leading to reduced genetic diversity.

The Sharp Reduction of the Gene Pool and the Numbers