Question

1 multiple choice 1 point the florida panther (puma concolor coryi) population has declined to approximately 20 to 30 individuals as a result of habitat loss and hunting. many of the panthers had genetic mutations due to inbreeding that affected their ability to reproduce and survive. female texas pumas (puma concolor stanleyana) were introduced into florida to mate with the endangered population of panthers. hybrid panthers had more genetic variation and reproductive success than the florida panthers. which table best represents the mechanism of evolution and the effect on the gene - pool of the florida panther population? mechanism of evolution event effect on genetic variation artificial selection hunting and habitat loss increased mechanism of evolution event effect on genetic variation gene flow hunting and habitat loss decreased mechanism of evolution event effect on genetic variation gene flow texas puma introduction increased

Explanation:

Gene flow is the transfer of genetic material from one population to another. The introduction of female Texas pumas to mate with Florida panthers is an example of gene - flow. This increases the genetic variation in the Florida panther population as the hybrid panthers have more genetic variation than the original Florida panthers. Hunting and habitat loss are not mechanisms of evolution in this context but rather factors that caused the decline of the Florida panther population. Artificial selection is a human - directed process of choosing which organisms will breed, which is not the case here.

Answer:

The table with "Mechanism of Evolution: Gene flow, Event: Texas puma introduction, Effect on Genetic Variation: Increased" is the correct one.