What is the founder effect?

The founder effect refers to the phenomenon in which a small group from a larger population establishes a new population. When this smaller group establishes itself in a new area, it carries with it only a small fraction of the genetic diversity of the original population. As a result, the new population is likely to have reduced genetic variation compared to the source population.

This reduced genetic variation can lead to unique evolutionary paths, as the limited gene pool can become further influenced by factors such as genetic drift, natural selection, and mutation. Over time, this can result in the new population becoming genetically distinct from the original population. This concept highlights the importance of initial genetic diversity in shaping the future of populations and their ability to adapt to changing environments.

The other options do not accurately describe the founder effect. For instance, the adaptation to the same niche is related to ecological interactions rather than genetic variation. An increase in genetic diversity due to environmental changes does not pertain to the dynamics of a founding population but rather to broader evolutionary processes. Lastly, introducing new species into an environment entails concepts of species interactions rather than the genetic implications of a small founding population.