The founder effect occurs when small groups of individuals leave their home population and establish new settlements, mating only among themselves. This can result in a loss of genetic diversity as certain alleles become overrepresented or completely lost in the new population.

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The Founder Effect

Question 54

Multiple Choice

The founder effect:

A) Occurs when large groups of individuals leave their home population and establish new settlements, mating only among themselves
B) Occurs when small groups of individuals leave their home population and establish new settlements, mating only among themselves
C) Occurs when many members of a population die, resulting in a great loss of genetic diversity
D) Occurs when many members of a population reproduce causing too much genetic diversity within the population

Correct Answer: