Question

1) what are genetic bottle necks ? and what are the solutions to it ?2) what is hybrid vigor

Answer 1

A genetic bottleneck refers to a sharp reduction in the size of a population due to natural events or human activities. The natural events can be earthquakes, drought, fire and flood. Human activities include genocide, habitat destruction and hunting.

Population bottleneck reduces genetic diversity in a population. It also leads to inbreeding depression. The founder effect is another type of genetic bottleneck effect.

Prevention methods:

1. Conservation of rare species

2. Protection of natural habitats

Hybrid vigour = Outbreeding enhancement = Heterosis.

It refers to the improved trait (quantity or quality) in a hybrid offspring. New genetic combinations/heterozygosity in the hybrid progeny is the major underlying factor for hybrid vigour.