LIFE SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -A founder effect, as related to genetics, refers to the reduction in genomic variability that occurs when a small group of individuals becomes separated from a larger population.

Detailed explanation-2: -In population genetics, the founder effect is the loss of genetic variation that occurs when a new population is established by a very small number of individuals from a larger population. It was first fully outlined by Ernst Mayr in 1942, using existing theoretical work by those such as Sewall Wright.

Detailed explanation-3: -Small founder and small resulting populations can result in population bottlenecks, which are associated with increased rates of inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity, both of which can affect the long-term viability of reintroduced populations.

Detailed explanation-4: -The founder effect can be due to geographic isolation, when a small population of individuals migrates to a new area. In this case, the distance or obstacles between the two populations make interbreeding impossible, and the new populations become genetically distinct over time.