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In populations A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 13 - 2010 - Paper 1
Question 13
In populations A. genetic drift will have less effect in a large population compared to a small population. B. bottlenecks enable a population to become better equi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In populations A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 13 - 2010 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. genetic drift will have less effect in a large population compared to a small population.
Answer
Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that causes allele frequencies in a population to change randomly over time. Its effects are more pronounced in small populations where random events can significantly alter genetic variation. Conversely, in large populations, the impact of genetic drift is minimized due to the greater number of individuals contributing to the gene pool.
Step 2
B. bottlenecks enable a population to become better equipped for future changes in the environment.
Answer
Bottlenecks occur when a population's size is significantly reduced for at least one generation, resulting in a loss of genetic diversity. While this can lead to a decrease in adaptability to environmental changes, it does not directly enable populations to become better equipped; rather, it may limit their future potential for adaptation.
Step 3
C. some organisms develop mutations in order to better suit them to their environment compared to other members of the population.
Answer
Mutations are random changes in DNA that may or may not confer advantageous traits. While organisms do not develop mutations purposefully, those that arise can provide benefits for survival and reproduction, leading to natural selection favoring individuals better suited to their environment over time.
Step 4
D. allele frequencies remain constant if the number of individuals leaving the population equals the number of individuals entering it.
Answer
Under the assumption of no other evolutionary forces acting (such as mutation, selection, or genetic drift), allele frequencies can be expected to remain relatively stable in a population in a state of equilibrium. This scenario fits within the Hardy-Weinberg principle, which states that allele and genotype frequencies will remain constant in a population from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences.