Question

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

Answer 1

A small population has fewer individuals which breed among themselves. As a result, fewer variations appear in this population. This poses a threat to the existence of the small population. If there are changes in the environment, the individuals will fail to cope with the environmental changes, they may become extinct. So, a very small population of a species faces a greater threat of extinction than a larger population.