Assertion : Species with low genetic variability are more vulnerable to disease, predators or other environmental challenges.

Options

A. If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
B. If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
C. If assertion is true but reason is false.
D. If both assertion and reason are false.

Answer

A

Explanation

Species with low genetic variability are generally at significantly greater risk of extinction than the species with more genetic variability, simply because they have a more limited arsenal with which to respond to the varieties of environmental change. Species with extremely low genetic variability are particularly vulnerable towards a new disease, predator or other environmental challenges, e.g., lack of genetic variability in the African cheetah (Acinonys jubatus) has been considered to be a significant factor contributing towards decline of cheetah population.