why is the minimum viable population size smaller for a genetically diverse population than for a less genetically diverse population? a more genetically diverse population is better able to withstand pressures from disease or environmental change, making it less likely to become extinct over a given period of time. a more genetically homogeneous population is better able to withstand pressures from disease or environmental change, making it less likely to become extinct over a given period of time. a less genetically diverse population is better able to withstand pressures from disease or environmental change, making it less likely to become extinct over a given period of time. a more genetically diverse population is better able to withstand pressures from disease or environmental change, making it more likely to become extinct over a given period of time.