Question

an iberian lynx mother with two cubs
complete the statements.

• due to habitat fragmentation, populations of iberian lynxes have likely become isolated.
• in turn, the exchange of genetic material between these populations has likely.
• over time, these processes can genetic diversity, making the iberian lynx vulnerable to extinction.

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Explanation:

1. For the first blank: Habitat fragmentation often leads to populations being geographically isolated as their habitats are broken into smaller, separated areas. So the word here is "geographically".
2. For the second blank: When populations are geographically isolated, the exchange of genetic material (gene flow) between them decreases or reduces because individuals from different populations can't easily mate or share genes. So a word like "decreased" or "reduced" fits.
3. For the third blank: Less gene flow and isolated populations lead to a decrease in genetic diversity over time (since there's less variation introduced). So "decrease" or "reduce" is appropriate.
4. For the fourth blank: Lower genetic diversity makes a species more vulnerable to extinction (as they have less ability to adapt to changes). So "more" fits here.

Answer:

• Due to habitat fragmentation, populations of Iberian lynxes have likely become $\boldsymbol{\text{geographically}}$ isolated.
• In turn, the exchange of genetic material between these populations has likely $\boldsymbol{\text{decreased}}$.
• Over time, these processes can $\boldsymbol{\text{decrease}}$ genetic diversity, making the Iberian lynx $\boldsymbol{\text{more}}$ vulnerable to extinction.