Which of the following is NOT associated with smail populations?

Options

A. Homozygosity can increase the fitness of individuals
B. Some degree of inbreeding becomes inevitable
C. Genetic drift can quickly eliminate most alleles, leaving individuals extremely similar genetically
D. Problems a rise when allelic diversity is reduced

Answer

To determine which of the following options is NOT associated with small populations, we need to analyze each option carefully.

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Small Populations**: Small populations often face unique challenges, such as reduced genetic diversity, increased inbreeding, and greater susceptibility to genetic drift.

2. **Analyzing Option 1**:
- The statement is that "homozygosity can increase the fitness of individuals."
- In small populations, increased homozygosity often leads to inbreeding depression, which typically decreases fitness rather than increasing it. Therefore, this statement is likely incorrect.

3. **Analyzing Option 2**:
- The statement is that "some degree of inbreeding becomes inevitable."
- In small populations, inbreeding is indeed more likely to occur due to the limited number of mating individuals. This statement is true and associated with small populations.

4. **Analyzing Option 3**:
- The statement is that "genetic drift can quickly eliminate most of the living individuals."
- Genetic drift has a more pronounced effect in small populations, leading to the loss of alleles and potentially eliminating individuals. This statement is also true and associated with small populations.

5. **Analyzing Option 4**:
- The statement is that "problems arise when allelic diversity is reduced."
- Reduced allelic diversity is a significant issue in small populations, leading to inbreeding and a lack of adaptability. This statement is true and associated with small populations.

6. **Conclusion**:
- After analyzing all options, we find that Option 1 is the only statement that is NOT associated with small populations. Increased homozygosity does not increase fitness; rather, it often leads to decreased fitness due to inbreeding depression.

**Final Answer**: Option 1 is NOT associated with small populations.

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