study guides for every class that actually explain what's on your next test Bottleneck effect
from class: Biology for Non-STEM Majors 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.
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Predict what's on your test 5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test The bottleneck effect can cause a significant loss of genetic variation within the population. It often results in an increase in genetic drift due to the smaller gene pool. Surviving members may not represent the original population's genetic diversity accurately. The bottleneck effect can lead to inbreeding and an increase in deleterious genes in the future generations. 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? "Bottleneck effect" also found in:
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