Question

which would most likely result in an increase in genetic variation in a population? an increase in predators and a decrease in food an increase in predators and an increase in food a decrease in predators and an increase in food a decrease in predators and a decrease in food

Explanation:

To determine what increases genetic variation, we analyze population stress. Genetic variation often increases when populations face less stress (more resources, fewer threats) as it allows more individuals to survive and reproduce, including those with diverse traits.

• An increase in predators or decrease in food creates stress, reducing population size and genetic variation.
• A decrease in predators (less predation pressure) and an increase in food (more resources) means more individuals survive, reproduce, and pass on diverse genes, increasing genetic variation.
• Other options involve stress (either predator increase, food decrease, or both) which reduces population size and genetic variation.

Answer:

C. a decrease in predators and an increase in food