population bottleneck
Diversity-crushing die-off
A population bottleneck is a sharp reduction in a species' numbers, leaving few individuals to pass on genes to future generations.
The term comes from the narrow neck of a bottle—diversity gets squeezed through a constriction.
Bottlenecks reduce genetic variation, sometimes permanently: Cheetahs show remarkably little genetic diversity, likely from an ancient population bottleneck.
Random allele frequency change
- inbreedingReproduction between close relatives
- gene poolSpecies' total genetic diversity
- genetic variationInherited molecular differences
- fixationPersistent mental attachment
Organisms facing extinction risk
- extinction riskLikelihood of permanent disappearance
- habitat destructionEliminating natural living spaces
- overhuntingExcessive wildlife killing
- captive breedingReproducing animals under human care
reintroduction programs · protected areas · wildlife corridor · species recovery · translocation · cheetah · elephant seal · bison
Differential reproductive success
- speciationFormation of distinct species
- reproductive successOffspring contribution to future generations
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
- microevolutionSmall hereditary changes within populations
Complete vanishing of a species
- depletionReduction of supply
- homogeneityState of sameness throughout
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- declineDecrease or refuse
rarity · impoverishment · reduction · contraction · loss · monoculture · uniformity · fragility
Capacity to recover quickly
- persistenceContinuing despite difficulty
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- viabilityCapacity to succeed
survivors · continuation · hardiness · perseverance · refugia · recolonization · carrying capacity · recruitment
genetic drift
Random allele frequency change
- inbreedingReproduction between close relatives
- gene poolSpecies' total genetic diversity
- genetic variationInherited molecular differences
endangered species
Organisms facing extinction risk
- extinction riskLikelihood of permanent disappearance
- habitat destructionEliminating natural living spaces
- overhuntingExcessive wildlife killing
captive breeding · reintroduction programs · protected areas · wildlife corridor · species recovery · translocation · cheetah · elephant seal · bison · whooping crane
natural selection
Differential reproductive success
- speciationFormation of distinct species
- reproductive successOffspring contribution to future generations
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
microevolution · heritability · adaptation · environmental stressors
extinction
Complete vanishing of a species
- depletionReduction of supply
- homogeneityState of sameness throughout
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
decline · rarity · impoverishment · reduction · contraction · loss · monoculture · uniformity · fragility · endemic species
resilience
Capacity to recover quickly
- persistenceContinuing despite difficulty
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
viability · survivors · continuation · hardiness · perseverance · refugia · recolonization · carrying capacity · recruitment · regeneration
population bottleneckpopulation explosion
Rapid growth in inhabitants
population boom · exponential growth · population growth · carrying capacity
population bottlenecknatural selection
Differential reproductive success
gradualism · equilibrium · microevolution · selective pressure
population, populate, populated, populating, populates, populous, populace, popular, popularity