Final answer:
Gene flow can be detected in a field experiment studying lizard populations by observing an increase in diversity in the island population, a decrease in diversity in the mainland population, and changes in the genetic makeup of both populations. The correct answer is Option D
Step-by-step explanation:
Gene flow refers to the movement of alleles (versions of genes) between populations. In the field experiment to study gene flow between lizard populations, evidence that gene flow has occurred would include:
- Option A: The diversity of the lizard population originally from the island would increase. This would indicate that individuals from the mainland population have migrated and introduced new genetic variation into the island population.
- Option B: The diversity of the entire lizard population now living on the mainland would decrease. This would suggest that individuals from the mainland population have migrated to the island, resulting in a loss of genetic diversity on the mainland.
- Option C: The genetic makeup of both the island and original mainland lizard populations would change. Gene flow between the populations would lead to a mixing of alleles, resulting in a change in the genetic composition of both populations.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: All of the above, as all three options provide evidence that gene flow has occurred between the lizard populations.