Founder effect
Founder effect is a concept in genetics that refers to the loss of genetic variation that occurs when a new population is established by a very small number of individuals from a larger population. This can lead to a reduced genetic diversity in the new population, as well as an increased likelihood of certain genetic disorders and diseases.
Overview[edit | edit source]
The founder effect is a special case of genetic drift, a random change in the frequency of alleles in a population due to chance events. When a small group of individuals leaves a larger population to establish a new one, they carry with them only a small fraction of the original population's genetic diversity. This can lead to a higher frequency of certain alleles in the new population, which can in turn increase the likelihood of certain genetic disorders and diseases.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The founder effect can occur in a number of ways. One common cause is geographical isolation, where a small group of individuals becomes separated from the larger population and establishes a new one in a different location. Another cause can be cultural isolation, where a small group of individuals separates from the larger population due to cultural differences or practices.
Effects[edit | edit source]
The effects of the founder effect can be significant. The reduced genetic diversity can make the new population more susceptible to certain diseases and disorders. It can also lead to a higher frequency of certain traits, which can have both positive and negative effects on the population's survival and reproduction.
Examples[edit | edit source]
There are many examples of the founder effect in both human and animal populations. One well-known example is the Amish population in the United States, which has a higher frequency of certain genetic disorders due to the small number of founders. Another example is the cheetah population, which has a very low genetic diversity due to a bottleneck event in its past.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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