The figure shows the relationship between the size of an island and the number of alleles found at microsatellite loci in lizard populations. What do these data demonstrate?
A) Lizards are more successful on larger islands.
B) Effective population size does not affect allelic diversity.
C) Populations on smaller islands experience more natural selection.
D) Genetic drift is stronger in smaller populations.

Question

The figure shows the relationship between the size of an island and the number of alleles found at microsatellite loci in lizard populations. What do these data demonstrate? 
A) Lizards are more successful on larger islands. 
B) Effective population size does not affect allelic diversity. 
C) Populations on smaller islands experience more natural selection. 
D) Genetic drift is stronger in smaller populations.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The data demonstrate that genetic drift is stronger in smaller populations, as smaller islands had lower numbers of alleles at microsatellite loci.

The Figure Shows the Relationship Between the Size of an Island