Chapter 16, Problem 9LTB

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Small populations can work distinctly in comparison to larger populations. They are usually the outcome of a population bottleneck from larger populations, resulting in a reduced genetic diversity and loss of heterozygosity, and shifts in allele frequencies, and loss or fixation of alleles.

A small population is more vulnerable to genetic and demographic stochastic events that can influence the long-term survival of the population. Thus, small populations are generally at the threat of endangerment or extinction. Hence, their conservation becomes a priority concern.