What genetic characteristic is sometimes revealed in zebra mussel populations in new locations compared to native European counterparts?
Answer
Reduced genetic diversity reflecting a bottleneck effect
Scientific examination of the genetic structure in newly invaded zebra mussel populations often reveals a specific pattern: a reduction in overall genetic diversity when compared to the populations residing in their native European environments. This reduction is attributed to the bottleneck effect. This phenomenon occurs because only a small subset of the original, diverse native population successfully survives the journey and establishes the new colony. Consequently, the genetic variance available for future selection and adaptation is smaller, as it is constrained by the limited gene pool of the initial founding individuals.
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