Before contact with Europeans, a tiny, isolated group of South Pacific islands had a population of about 50,000 people. Because of poor management of their own resources, the population fell to around 5000 by about the year 1750. When Europeans finally arrived, they brought smallpox, and after the ensuing epidemic, only about 800 islanders were left alive. The unusual genetic makeup of the native population is due to what phenomenon?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The population reduction from 50,000 to 5000 is an example of a bottleneck effect, where a large population is drastically reduced in size, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. This can result in the unusual genetic makeup seen in the native population.

Before Contact with Europeans, a Tiny, Isolated Group of South