Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Genetic erosion is the progressive loss of genetic diversity within a species or population, often accelerated by habitat fragmentation, over-exploitation, and monocultures.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Statement (I) is true: As a population shrinks, genetic drift and inbreeding increase, resulting in a smaller gene pool. This genetic erosion reduces evolutionary adaptability and lowers overall reproductive fitness.
- Statement (II) is true: Genetic erosion is defined as the process where a species experiences a gradual or complete loss of unique genes, alleles, or gene complexes from its gene pool, which can lead to extinction.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.