On Long Island, New York, a population of wall lizards that originated from a group in Italy is present. Several had been imported to be sold as pets many decades ago, and some escaped and started a new population in this suburban area. What concept applies to this situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals from a larger population colonize a new area, leading to a reduction in genetic diversity in the new population compared to the original population. This is consistent with the situation of the wall lizards on Long Island, as a small group of Italian lizards founded the new population.

On Long Island, New York, a Population of Wall Lizards