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Question #46416
The Question
A widespread mammalian species during the Pleistocene epoch experiences a severe climatic event, reducing its population to a highly isolated, small group (Genetic Bottleneck). When analyzing the evolutionary trajectory of this surviving population in contrast to standard geological gradualism, which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
Genetic drift acts as a stochastic accelerator, potentially fixing even deleterious alleles within a timeframe negligible on the geological time scale.
- B.
The population will experience a rapid restoration of its pre-bottleneck allelic diversity due to a compensatory surge in directional mutations.
- C.
The sudden change in allele frequency occurs independently of the traits' adaptive value, violating the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
- D.
This stochastic event can lead to rapid divergence and potential speciation much faster than the gradual pace of Darwinian natural selection.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Evolutionary Chronology|Allele Frequency Drift|Stellar Distance vs. Geological Time
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often confuse demographic recovery (population size) with genetic recovery (allelic diversity).
The trap exploits the teleological misconception that a population 'needs' to adapt and will therefore experience 'directional' or 'compensatory' mutations.
In reality, mutations remain random, and lost genetic diversity takes millions of years (geological timescales) to regenerate, even if the population size bounces back quickly.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Evolution - Class 12 |
| Concept | Stellar Distance vs. Geological Time |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |