Campbell Biology In Focus
Campbell Biology In Focus
2nd Edition
ISBN: 9780134203072
Author: Lisa A. Urry, Michael L. Cain, Steven A. Wasserman, Peter V. Minorsky, Jane B. Reece
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 43, Problem 1TYU

One characteristic that distinguishes a population in an extinction vortex from most other populations is that

  1. A.    it is a rare, top-level predator.
  2. B.     its effective population size is much lower than its total population size.
  3. C.     its genetic diversity is very low.
  4. D.    it is not well adapted to edge conditions.
Expert Solution & Answer
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Summary Introduction

Introduction:

In a given population extinction vortex can be defined as the major reduction in the size of a population of a species. Genetic diversity and genetic variation of a population disappears when extinction vortex is formed in a population of a species. Genetic drift and inbreeding can lead to the genetic vortex of a population.

Answer to Problem 1TYU

Correct answer:

Decreasing genetic diversity of a population is a characteristic that can distinguishes a population in an extinction vortex from most other populations. Therefore, option (C) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

The decreased genetic variation decreases the survival fitness in the population. It is due to the accumulation of harmful traits and pathogens. Apart from disappeared genetic diversity and demographic; low genetic diversity can also lead for the extinction vortex of a population. The genetic diversity of a population in an extinction vortex is very low from most of other populations.

Option (C) is given as “Its genetic diversity is very low”.

“One characteristic that distinguishes a population in an extinction vortex from most other population is that its genetic diversity is very low” it is the right answer.

Hence, option (C) is correct.

Reason for the incorrect statements:

Option (A) is given as “it is a rare, top-level predator”.

A rare, top-level predator can consume and it can contain a large domain of prey. A population of an extinctive vortex is not a characteristic of a rare, top-level predator. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (B) is given as “its effective population size is much lower than its total population size”

As the size of effective population is much lower than its total population size, thus it is not a characteristic of extinctive vortex because the effective population must be smaller from other population size. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (D) is given as “it is not well adapted to edge conditions”.

This population is not well adapted to edge conditions. This is not a characteristic that is particularly related to a population in an extinction vortex. So, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (A), (B), and (D) are incorrect.

Conclusion

One characteristic that distinguishes a population in an extinction vortex from most other population is that its genetic diversity is very low.

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Students have asked these similar questions
When populations are drastically reduced in size, genetic diversity and heterozygosity a. are likely to increase, enhancing the probability of extinction. b. are likely to decrease, enhancing the probability of extinction. c. are usually not factors that influence the probability of extinction. d. automatically respond in a way that protects populations from future changes.
Ecological dominants are a. the most numerous or make up the most biomass within a community.   b. are species that may not be the most numerous within a community, but      whose role is so significant that its absence would bring about considerable change.   c. species that are introduced into an area where they do not naturally occur.   d. the most important species on the planet.
Predators that are specialists usually have a population abundance: a. That is usually very small. b. That repeatedly oscillates up and down. c. That is very constant. d. That is mainly affected by climatic factors. e. That may locally go extinct (so depends on immigration).
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