Which of the following statements describes a likely outcome of a bottleneck event?

A bottleneck event occurs when a population undergoes a significant reduction in size due to environmental events or human activities, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. This reduction means that only a small number of individuals contribute to the subsequent generation. As a result, the genetic variation available within the population is significantly lower, as the remaining gene pool is derived solely from the few survivors.

This loss of genetic diversity can have several impacts on the population, such as reduced adaptability to environmental changes, increased inbreeding depression, and a greater vulnerability to diseases. Over time, the genetic limitations imposed by a bottleneck can lead to reduced population fitness and resilience. Understanding this concept is crucial in fields such as conservation biology, as it highlights the importance of maintaining genetic diversity for the long-term survival and adaptability of species.