Question

The New England cottontail is the only rabbit native to New England. Current populations are small and isolated because of habitat loss. Scientists are concerned about the possible extinction of the New England cottontail. Which of the following statements explains why having small and isolated populations puts these rabbits at risk for extinction?

A) Diet requirements of the rabbits are changed, making the emigration rate increase.
B) Male-to-female ratios in the populations are changed, making the birth rate fall to zero.
C) Genetic variation is decreased, making the populations less able to adapt to environmental changes.
D) Immigration is increased, making it harder for the rabbits to successfully compete for resources.

Answer 1

Small and isolated populations of New England cottontail rabbits are at risk for extinction due to decreased genetic variation impairing their ability to adapt to environmental changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Having small and isolated populations puts the New England cottontail rabbits at risk for extinction primarily because of decreased genetic variation. This diminishes their ability to adapt to environmental changes. small, isolated populations are more vulnerable to inbreeding, genetic drift, and stochastic events. For example, a decrease in genetic variation can lead to an increased susceptibility to diseases and a reduced ability to cope with changing environmental conditions, such as climate change or new predators. Additionally, smaller gene pools mean that beneficial traits, such as those for camouflage or disease resistance, may not arise or spread as effectively through the population as they would in a larger, more genetically diverse population.This is why, C) Genetic variation is decreased, making the populations less able to adapt to environmental changes is the most accurate statement regarding the risk of extinction for small and isolated populations of the New England cottontail.