A researcher decides to measure the total amount of genetic variation in four different human populations: Australia, Iraq, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka (listed in no particular order). He finds evidence of repeated founder events as non-African populations moved ever further away from Africa after the initial out-of-Africa emigration event. Which of the answer options CORRECTLY lists the four populations in order of decreasing levels of population genetic variation, based on known patterns of human evolution?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to known patterns of human evolution, there is evidence of repeated founder events as non-African populations migrated away from Africa. This means that populations further away from Africa are likely to have experienced more founder events, leading to greater genetic diversity. Based on this, Iraq, being closer to Africa and the site of many ancient civilizations, is likely to have experienced fewer founder events and therefore less genetic diversity compared to the other populations. Sri Lanka, Australia, and Malaysia, being further away from Africa, are likely to have experienced more founder events and therefore greater genetic diversity. Therefore, the correct order of decreasing levels of population genetic variation is Iraq > Sri Lanka > Malaysia > Australia.

A Researcher Decides to Measure the Total Amount of Genetic