AnswerQuestion: In a population of Arctic foxes, which genetic phenomenon might explain reduced genetic diversity due to a small, isolated founding group during a glacial period?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:34:05 +0000

**AnswerQuestion: In a population of Arctic foxes, which genetic phenomenon might explain reduced genetic diversity due to a small, isolated founding group during a glacial period?** In remote Arctic regions, recent studies suggest that isolated fox populations during glacial epochs may have experienced a sharp drop in genetic variation—leading scientists to examine the genetic mechanism behind this pattern. The phenomenon that best explains this reduced diversity is known as a **founder effect**, a well-documented process in population genetics. It occurs when a new population is established by a small group of individuals, limiting the genetic variety passed on to future generations. Why is this topic gaining traction now? As climate shifts reshape Arctic habitats, researchers and conservationists are increasingly studying ancient genetic imprints to understand how species adapt—or struggle—to survive environmental upheaval. The Arctic fox’s vulnerable numbers and isolated subpopulations offer a natural case study in evolutionary biology. With rising interest in climate resilience and wildlife genomics, public curiosity about such genetic patterns is growing. The foundation effect works like this: when a glacial period forced foxes into smaller, geographically limited groups, only a limited gene pool arrived to seed the next generation. Over time, this reduced diversity spread through the population, increasing the chance of common traits—and sometimes limiting adaptability. This explanation aligns with genetic evidence uncovered through modern DNA analysis of historical fox specimens.