Chapter 11, Problem 1TQ

Summary Introduction

The founder effect is one of the categories of genetic drift, the other is the genetic bottleneck. The genetic bottleneck is defined as a decrease in the population size, which results in a genetic variation loss in the rebounded (new) population.

Answer to Problem 1TQ

The founder effect is a type of genetic drift in which the individuals in one small group of a large population establish a new population at a distinct location and reproduce.

Therefore, option (a) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Justify the reasons for the correct statement:

The genetic drift is the alteration in the frequencies of an allele, generated by irregular differences in the reproduction as well as in the survival in a small population. This takes place by any of the two methods, namely founder effect or genetic bottleneck. The founder effect takes place when some individuals of large population form a new population at the different location and reproduce.

Option (a) is given as, “genetic drift; establish a new population at a distinct location and reproduce”.

Hence, the option (a) is correct.

Justify the reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (b) is given as, “gene flow; establish a new population at a distinct location and reproduce”.

The founder’s effect does not influenced by gene flow between the populations, especially at a distinct location. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given as, “genetic drift are the only ones to survive and then subsequently reproduce”.   

Genetic drift influence the founder effect, but it is not the only ones to survive and reproduce. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given as, “gene flow are the only ones to survive and then subsequently reproduce”   

The founder’s effect does not influenced by gene flow and it is not the only ones to survive and reproduce. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

The founder effect is influenced by the genetic drift, which establish a new population in the ecosystem.