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Question #46456
The Question
A critically endangered mammalian species is brought into a captive breeding program (ex-situ conservation) with a founding population of only six individuals. Over several generations, the population size successfully increases to fifty. Which of the following genetic phenomena is LEAST likely to be observed in this captive population?
Options
- A.
Accelerated fixation or loss of alleles due to the Sewall Wright effect.
- B.
A progressive decline in genetic heterozygosity across successive generations.
- C.
Enhanced preservation of low-frequency alleles due to the absence of natural predators and diseases.
- D.
Attenuation of natural selection pressures, leading to reduced adaptive potential for future reintroduction.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Allele Frequency Drift|Ex-situ Conservation Techniques
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often confuse the effects of 'relaxed natural selection' with 'genetic drift'.
A common misconception is assuming that because captive animals are protected from environmental pressures, rare alleles will automatically be preserved.
However, in very small founding populations, the random sampling error of genetic drift is so mathematically overpowering that rare alleles are rapidly lost by chance, overriding the effects of relaxed selection.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Evolution - Class 12 |
| Concept | Allele Frequency Drift |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |