Question

which of these is least likely to change the gene pool of a population of chipmunks? a pesticide poisons and kills a large number of chipmunks. a number of chipmunks die due to old age. a genetic mutation causes some of the chipmunks to have larger eyes. a group of chipmunks moves to a new habitat.

Explanation:

To determine which event is least likely to change the gene pool, we analyze each option:

• Option A (pesticide killing chipmunks): This is a form of natural selection (or artificial selection via pesticide) that can remove certain genotypes, changing the gene pool.
• Option B (chipmunks dying of old age): Dying of old age is a natural, non - selective process. Old chipmunks have already passed on their genes (assuming they reproduced), so this does not selectively remove or add genes in a way that changes the overall gene pool composition.
• Option C (genetic mutation): A mutation introduces new genetic material, which can change the gene pool.
• Option D (chipmunks moving to a new habitat): This is gene flow, which can introduce new genes or change the frequency of existing genes in the population's gene pool.

Answer:

B. A number of chipmunks die due to old age.