Final answer:
Smaller populations are at risk of extinction due to lower genetic diversity, vulnerability to environmental changes, and habitat loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
Smaller populations are at risk of extinction due to several factors. Firstly, smaller populations have a lower genetic diversity, which makes them more vulnerable to the forces of genetic drift.
In genetic drift, random changes in allele frequencies occur, and in small populations, these changes can have a larger impact on the overall gene pool. Secondly, smaller populations may be more prone to environmental changes or disease outbreaks, as they lack the genetic variability and resilience of larger populations.
Lastly, smaller populations are often more susceptible to habitat loss and fragmentation, which can limit their ability to find resources and interact with other populations for genetic exchange.