What is an extreme form of genetic drift that occurs when a small group contributes to the next generation's gene pool?

The founder effect is an extreme form of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals becomes isolated from a larger population and establishes a new population. Because the founders carry only a limited genetic representation of the original population, the new gene pool may differ significantly from that of the source population in terms of allele frequencies. This can lead to reduced genetic diversity and potentially increase the prevalence of certain genetic traits or disorders within the new population.

Understanding this concept is essential, as it illustrates how genetic diversity can be drastically affected by the size of the founding group and the population's subsequent evolutionary path. The founder effect can have significant implications for evolution and conservation biology, especially in cases where small groups are isolated and face different environmental pressures.