What is a Population?

The video explores Earth's biosphere, ecosystems, and the concept of populations in biology. It discusses how populations form, often through isolation due to geographic barriers or human activities. Isolation impacts genetic diversity, leading to less varied gene pools. The video also covers the effects of catastrophic events and human development on populations, highlighting genetic bottlenecks and their consequences. It concludes with the role of population biology in species evolution, explaining how genetic changes in isolated populations can lead to new species.

What is a population in biological terms?

• A collection of different species in an area

• A group of ecosystems in a biosphere

• Groups of organisms of the same species living in the same area

• A single organism living in isolation

Which of the following is NOT a geographic barrier that can isolate populations?

• Rivers

• Deserts

• Forests

• Mountains

How can catastrophic events lead to population isolation?

• By increasing genetic diversity

• By merging different populations

• By creating new ecosystems

• By physically separating individuals from the main group

What is a genetic bottleneck?

• The formation of a new ecosystem

• The merging of two different species

• A reduction in genetic diversity due to a decrease in population size

• An increase in population size

How can isolated populations lead to the formation of new species?

• By interbreeding with the original population

• By accumulating genetic changes that prevent interbreeding with the original population

• By increasing their population size

• By migrating back to the original population