Question

a population of squirrels that contains a wide range of traits has a
a. large amount of genetic variation
b. high allele frequency for most
c. poor chance of surviving habitat change
d. decreased chance of frequent gene flow

Explanation:

• Option A: Genetic variation leads to diverse traits. A population with a wide range of traits likely has a large amount of genetic variation, as different genes/alleles produce different traits.
• Option B: High allele frequency for most alleles would lead to less trait diversity, not more, so this is incorrect.
• Option C: A population with diverse traits (high genetic variation) has a better chance of surviving habitat change (as some traits may be adaptive), so "poor chance" is wrong.
• Option D: Genetic variation and gene flow are related, but a wide range of traits doesn't imply decreased gene flow; in fact, more variation might relate to more gene flow or diverse gene pools, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

A. large amount of genetic variation