The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is a critically endangered big cat native to southeastern Russia and northeastern China. With fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the wild, conservationists are concerned about the species' long-term survival.
Which of the following best describes the potential impact of the Amur leopard's small population size on its ability to adapt to environmental changes?
The small population size increases genetic diversity, making the species more resilient to environmental pressures.
The limited number of individuals has no effect on the species' genetic diversity or adaptability.
The small population size likely results in low genetic diversity, making the species vulnerable to environmental changes.
The Amur leopard's specialized adaptations compensate for any loss of genetic diversity due to small population size.
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