Founder effect

Definition

A reduction in genetic diversity within a population that occurs when a small number of individuals establish a new population, carrying with them only a limited subset of the original population's genetic variation.

Etymology

Named after the founder effect in population genetics, which describes the loss of genetic diversity due to a small founding population.

Example

The founder effect is often observed in island populations, where a small number of individuals colonize the island and their limited genetic diversity leads to unique traits in the island population.

Related Terms

• Genetic drift
• Population bottleneck