The Icelandic population is of European descent, yet is very homogenous and carries some common polymorphisms that are rare in Europe. What factors have led to the difference between the Icelandic and European populations? Please select all that apply.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All the factors have influenced the homogeneity of the Icelandic population and have led to the differences seen between the Icelandic and European populations. The Founder effect is an extreme example of genetic drift in which the effect of a small initial population is confounded by lack of migration. Polymorphisms that were present by chance in the founding Icelandic population persisted to the modern-day population, explaining the differences in polymorphisms between the Icelandic and European populations. In addition, the Icelandic population has undergone several population bottlenecks (another extreme form of genetic drift), each of which reduced the reproductive population and increased homogeneity. This is a good example of how multiple factors shape populations.

The Icelandic Population Is of European Descent, Yet Is Very