How does immigration affect genetic diversity in a population?

Prepare for the VCE Biology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Immigration can significantly increase genetic diversity within a population. When individuals from one population migrate into another, they introduce new alleles to the gene pool. This increased genetic variation arises from the exchange of genetic material between populations that may have adapted to different environments or exhibit different traits.

For instance, if a population is small and has low genetic diversity due to inbreeding or limited migration, the introduction of new individuals can enhance the genetic variation, potentially leading to improved adaptability and resilience to environmental changes. This genetic influx can enhance a population's ability to respond to diseases, changes in climate, and other ecological pressures, ultimately supporting the long-term survival of the population.

In contrast, the options indicating a decrease in diversity or no effect altogether do not accurately reflect the biological processes involved in immigration's role in shaping genetic variation. Similarly, the elimination of all alleles is an extreme and unrealistic consequence, as it ignores the stability and resilience typically observed in natural populations.

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