Borders Quote by Ernst Mayr
“The reduced variability of small populations is not always due to accidental gene loss, but sometimes to the fact that the entire population was started by a single pair or by a single fertilized female. These 'founders' of the population carried with them only a very small proportion of the variability of the parent population. This 'founder' principle sometimes explains even the uniformity of rather large populations, particularly if they are well isolated and near the borders of the range of the species.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Evolution and the Theory of Games, 1970
Small populations often start from a few individuals, limiting genetic diversity regardless of random loss.
In simple terms: Founder effect reduces variation in new groups.
Key Takeaway
Consider genetic diversity when managing small groups.
Themes
evolution
genetics
population biology
founder effect
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- conservation programs
- breeding initiatives
- species reintroduction
- human migration studies
Key Concepts
bottleneck
genetic drift
isolation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does founder effect impact conservation?
- Can migration mitigate reduced variability?
A Different Perspective
Small populations may regain diversity through mutation or gene flow.
