Scientists varied the effective population size of a wildflower in a natural setting.After several generations, they found that populations with lower effective population sizes had lower rates of germination and survival because of inbreeding depression.This suggests that a low effective population size might eventually lead to
A) higher population growth.
B) extinction.
C) less inbreeding.
D) lower fluctuations in population size.
E) greater genetic diversity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inbreeding depression caused by a low effective population size can lead to reduced fitness and increased vulnerability to environmental pressures, ultimately resulting in extinction.

Scientists Varied the Effective Population Size of a Wildflower in a Natural