The entire species of North American right whales currently consists of less than 400 individuals. Through genetic testing, it has been determined that at some point in the past, probably around the time they were first protected in the beginning of the 20th century, the population had only three reproducing females. All individuals that exist today are thought to be descendants of those females. As a result, this species is vulnerable because of

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The low genetic variability resulting from the bottleneck event (only three reproducing females) makes North American right whales vulnerable to genetic disorders and diseases, reducing their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions or threats.

The Entire Species of North American Right Whales Currently Consists