What is the effect on the gene pool of a …

Biology Questions

Read each example and decide what the resulting effect on the gene pool of that population would be. A zebra migrates to join a different herd of zebras. Competition for sunlight leads to taller trees. The DNA of a snake changes to make its venom stronger. A grassfire randomly sweeps through a population of buffalo and kills most of the animals.

Short Answer

Zebras migrate to enhance genetic diversity, which improves adaptability and resilience in changing environments. Competition for resources drives natural selection, favoring traits that promote survival, while environmental pressures lead to genetic adaptations in response to threats from other species.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand Zebra Migration

Zebras migrate to different herds primarily to enhance their genetic diversity. This migration allows zebras to interact and breed with different populations, thereby introducing new alleles into their gene pool. The advantages of mixing alleles include increased adaptability and resilience, which are crucial for survival in changing environments.

Step 2: Competition for Resources

Within their habitats, zebras face competition for essential resources such as sunlight. This competition can lead to natural selection where specific traits are favored. For instance, the growth of taller grasses and trees due to this competition may result in alleles that support better survival rates becoming more prevalent. These adaptations are key for thriving in environments where resources are limited.

Step 3: Genetic Changes and Environmental Impact

In response to environmental pressures, such as those imposed by other species like snakes or buffalo, genetic adaptations occur. For example, some snakes develop venomous traits due to changes in their DNA, which can introduce new alleles. These genetic variations enhance their chances of survival, while events like grassfires affect which traits are retained or selected for in populations such as buffalo or zebras.

Related Concepts

Alleles

Variants of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome, influencing traits and genetic diversity.

Natural Selection

The process through which traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common in a population, often in response to environmental pressures.

Genetic Adaptations

Changes in an organism’s dna that enhance its ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment, often driven by natural selection and environmental factors.

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