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  3. A very small population of a species faces a greater threat of extinction than a larger population. Provide a suitable genetic explanation.

. A very small population of a species faces a greater threat of extinction than a larger population. Provide a suitable genetic explanation.

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Answer: A very small population of a species faces a greater threat of extinction than a larger population because of the following reasons

Inbreeding:
 
Small population promotes inbreeding. Inbreed results in lesser variations.
 
Genetic drift:
 
Small population is vulnerable to sudden change in environment. Because of genetic drift chances of species with small population may wipe out.
 
Inbreeding depression:
 
This lead to negative population growth which is detrimental for the survival of the species with a smaller population.

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