founder effect
noun1
Biology, Genetics, Medicine, Natural sciences, Sciences A reduction in genetic diversity resulting when a population is descended from a small number of colonizing ancestors.
Evolutionary theory
- The view that Navajo neuropathy was purely inherited continued to have its adherents. It did seem logical. There were multiple cases within families. The syndrome had appeared suddenly, the way a “founder effect” disease might.2006 November 20, Judy Pasternak, “Oases in Navajo Desert Contained 'A Witch's Brew'”, in Los Angeles Times: