What does a sharp population decline typically result in?

A sharp population decline typically results in a loss of genetic variation due to a phenomenon known as a genetic bottleneck. When a population experiences a significant reduction in size, the number of individuals that contribute to the next generation is drastically reduced. This limited pool of breeding individuals can lead to a decrease in the gene pool, as fewer alleles are available for selection and reproduction.

As a result, certain alleles may be lost entirely due to random chance, particularly if they were not present in the few surviving individuals. Over time, this loss of genetic diversity can reduce the population's ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions or cope with diseases, making them more vulnerable to extinction in the long run. In contrast, genetic variation is crucial for the resilience and long-term survival of populations.