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.

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.