Heredity and Reproductive Success Quick Check

The following table shows data about a population of red pandas. Which statement best explains why the nucleotide diversity of Red Pandas decreased over five generations?

As the population of red pandas decreased, there were a lesser number of genes to be passed down.

The following table shows data about a population of red pandas. If you wanted to present evidence that red panda populations were becoming less diverse over time, which choice correctly identifies the independent and dependent variables you would choose to use in your graph?

Independent = Generation and Dependent = Nucleotide Diversity

Suppose the mutation for the sickle cell disease gene first appeared in a region without malaria. The first carrier would have

had the same likelihood to survive and reproduce as his peers.

Which of the following scenarios would reduce the number of inheritable traits in a population, causing the individuals in that population to remain very similar to one another?

A desert that has existed for millennia.

A gardener performs experiments on her tomato plants. When graphing her data, which factor is an independent variable?

the amount of light each plant receives