Reduction in allele frequencies in a population which often prevent the species from revesing its path of extinction is called

Options

A. Founder effect
B. Genetic mutation
C. Genetic bottleneck
D. Microevolution

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for a term that describes the reduction in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to the species being unable to reverse its path toward extinction.

2. **Identifying Key Concepts**:
- Allele frequencies refer to how common an allele is in a population.
- A reduction in allele frequencies can lead to decreased genetic diversity.
- This can make a population less adaptable to environmental changes, potentially leading to extinction.

3. **Term Definition**: The term that describes this phenomenon is "genetic drift." Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to significant changes over time, especially in small populations.

4. **Understanding the Consequences**: When genetic drift occurs, particularly in small populations, it can result in the loss of genetic variation. This loss can prevent the population from adapting to new environmental challenges, making it more vulnerable to extinction.

5. **Final Answer**: The reduction in allele frequencies in a population that often prevents the species from reversing its path of extinction is called "genetic drift."

---