In ecological terms, what is a population bottleneck primarily a consequence of?

A population bottleneck refers to a significant reduction in the size of a population, often due to a catastrophic event that drastically decreases its numbers. This reduction can result from factors such as natural disasters, habitat destruction, or overexploitation, which lead to fewer individuals surviving and reproducing. As a consequence, the genetic diversity within the population can diminish, potentially impacting the species' long-term viability and adaptability.

Understanding the concept of a population bottleneck highlights the importance of maintaining larger populations to ensure genetic variability, which is crucial for resilience against diseases and environmental changes. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the primary cause of a population bottleneck, emphasizing why a significant reduction in population size is the key characteristic of this ecological phenomenon.