Multiple Choice
In a diagram showing two homologous chromosomes with unlabeled gene loci, which of the following best describes the arrangement of alleles for two interacting genes (A and B) located on the same chromosome?
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance
Overview of interacting Genes
Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes the bottleneck effect in ape populations?
A
Gene flow between isolated ape groups increases overall genetic diversity.
B
A sharp reduction in population size leads to decreased genetic diversity due to random loss of alleles.
C
Natural selection eliminates all recessive alleles from the population.
D
A population expands rapidly, increasing genetic variation among individuals.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the bottleneck effect refers to a sharp reduction in population size, often caused by environmental events or other factors, which drastically reduces genetic diversity.
Recognize that when a population size decreases suddenly, many alleles (gene variants) can be lost purely by chance, not because of natural selection.
Note that this random loss of alleles reduces the overall genetic variation in the surviving population, which can affect the population's ability to adapt to future changes.
Distinguish the bottleneck effect from other concepts such as gene flow (movement of genes between populations), natural selection (which favors certain alleles), and population expansion (which can increase genetic variation).
Conclude that the best description of the bottleneck effect is: 'A sharp reduction in population size leads to decreased genetic diversity due to random loss of alleles.'
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