Which Factors Can Contribute to an Extinction Vortex

Question

Which factors can contribute to an extinction vortex?
A) Fragmenting populations
B) Overharvesting of a species
C) A catastrophic event
D) A large effective population size

Accepted Answer

Fragmenting populations can reduce genetic diversity, making populations more susceptible to environmental changes and disease. Overharvesting results in a decrease in population size, which can lead to genetic drift and reduce genetic diversity. Catastrophic events, such as natural disasters, can lead to an immediate reduction in population size and genetic diversity. A large effective population size can mitigate the effects of genetic drift, reducing the risk of an extinction vortex.