Forest logging removes trees, leaving behind only smaller bushes. Some rats in a depleted forest have an allele that makes them smaller than normal rats. It is easier for the small rats to hide from predators in the bushes.
a) Give two reasons that the rat population is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. (6 points)
b) Which type of rat is selected for in this ecosystem? (3 points)
c) How will the allele frequency change in the rat population? (3 points)
d) Is this an example of natural selection? Explain. (4 points)

e) Has genetic diversity helped or hurt the survival of the rat

Question

Forest logging removes trees, leaving behind only smaller bushes. Some rats in a depleted forest have an allele that makes them smaller than normal rats. It is easier for the small rats to hide from predators in the bushes. 
a) Give two reasons that the rat population is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. (6 points) 
b) Which type of rat is selected for in this ecosystem? (3 points) 
c) How will the allele frequency change in the rat population? (3 points) 
d) Is this an example of natural selection? Explain. (4 points) 

e) Has genetic diversity helped or hurt the survival of the rat

aveline · Answer

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium model states that allele/genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant from generation to generation only in the absence of other evolutionary influences.
The rat population is not at equilibrium. The smaller rats are more suited to the environment. The larger rats find it harder to hide from predators. There will likely be more small rats available for mating than large rats. This leads to an increased frequency of alleles for small size in the rat population.

I think you can figure out the rest