Long-term studies of Belding's ground squirrels show that immigrants move nearly 2 kilometers from where they are born and become 1%- 8 % of the males and 0.7 %-6 % of the females in other populations. On an evolutionary scale, why is this significant? A. These immigrants make up for the deaths of individuals, keeping the other populations' size stable. B. These immigrants provide a source of genetic diversity for the other populations. C. Those individuals that emigrate to these new populations are looking for less crowded conditions with more resources. D. Gradually, the populations of ground squirrels will move from a clumped to a uniform population pattern of dispersion.

Respuesta :

The correct option is (B) These immigrants provide a source of genetic diversity for the other populations.

Migration is essential for maintaining genetic diversity among populations.

How is genetic diversity impacted by immigration?

  • New alleles are introduced to an existing population when new, genetically distinct individuals enter it.
  • By generating novel allele combinations through mating, the new organisms increase the genetic diversity of the species as a whole. Increasing heterozygosity and allelic richness, both of which are essential for population persistence, is the main way that immigration benefits populations.
  • While allelic richness is directly related to the capacity for adaptation and long-term sustainability of populations, heterozygosity is of immediate consequence to both individual and community fitness.

Learn more about the Genetic diveristy with the help of the given link:

https://brainly.com/question/22217349

#SPJ4