1.      A very small population of a species faces a greater threat of extinction than a larger population. Provide a suitable genetic explanation.

Soln:

A very small population of a species faces a greater threat of extinction than a larger population because of the following reasons:

Inbreeding depression:

Small population promotes inbreeding. It results in lesser variations.

Genetic drift:

A small population is vulnerable to a sudden change in the environment. Because of genetic drift there is more chance that the species with a small population may wipe out.