Bottleneck effect

Definition

The bottleneck effect occurs when a population's size is significantly reduced for at least one generation, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. This reduction can result from events such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or human activities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The bottleneck effect can cause a significant loss of genetic variation within the population.
2. It often results in an increase in genetic drift due to the smaller gene pool.
3. Surviving members may not represent the original population's genetic diversity accurately.
4. The bottleneck effect can lead to inbreeding and an increase in deleterious genes in the future generations.
5. This phenomenon can have long-term impacts on a population’s ability to adapt to new environmental changes.

Review Questions

• What are some causes of the bottleneck effect?
• How does the bottleneck effect influence genetic diversity within a population?
• What are potential long-term consequences of the bottleneck effect on populations?

Related terms

Genetic Drift: Random fluctuations in allele frequencies within a population from one generation to the next.

Founder Effect: When a new colony is started by a few members of the original population, resulting in reduced genetic variation.

Natural Selection: The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.