Final answer:
One potential negative consequence of nonrandom mating based on geographic proximity is the increased risk of inbreeding depression. Inbreeding depression occurs when closely related individuals mate with each other, resulting in offspring that are less fit compared to the offspring of unrelated individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
One potential negative consequence of nonrandom mating based on geographic proximity is the increased risk of inbreeding depression. Inbreeding depression occurs when closely related individuals mate with each other, resulting in offspring that are less fit compared to the offspring of unrelated individuals.
Inbreeding depression can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity within a population, making it more susceptible to the negative effects of harmful recessive alleles. These harmful alleles can become more prevalent in the population over time, resulting in a higher incidence of genetic disorders and decreased overall fitness.
For example, inbreeding depression is commonly observed in small, isolated populations of endangered species. This increased risk of genetic disorders and reduced fitness can further threaten the survival of these species.