2006-07-02 04:08:54 · 8 answers · asked by Bymble 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
What I have in mind is a community totally isolated from all other humans on a permanent basis - for example a colony on Mars. How many males/females would be required to avoid severe genetic mutation from in breeding.
2006-07-02 05:09:01 · update #1
It depends on how you define a healthy gene pool, and how healthy the starting population is.
As an example, scientists are not sure how long the Devil's Hole pupfish species will survive, as it is down to 379 individuals.
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/InNews/pupfish2004.html
Statistically with 3 people you have a 25% chance that they'd all be the same gender... If you kept this population going with the same number of people, there's a chance that you'd end up with a generation of only males or only females, which would end the population. But then you have the problem of inbreeding likely to produce a genetic mutation that does not allow for viable offspring...
2006-07-02 04:33:27 · answer #1 · answered by mrvadeboncoeur 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The answer to this question depends upon wether or not this community is required to sustain itself indefinately without outside genetic contributions. If not, then two healthy individuals should be just fine for reproduction. If yes, then the answer depends upon what levels you find acceptable for genetic disease. 1 in 10,000? 1 in 500? 1 in 10? Maybe you could get by with a smaller gene pool if you put the community in a place with a slightly increased rate of background radiation, like high in the Andes.
2006-07-02 04:52:09 · answer #2 · answered by psilohead 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well isnt every form of evolving a mutation so really it depends on what u define as a healthy gene pool.
a better question would perhaps be how long do we think it will take before the community can no longer reproduce.
2006-07-03 09:52:15 · answer #3 · answered by kevin h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to the Bible, 2, Adam & Eve.
According to me, about 500 for a new world order.
2006-07-08 06:32:39 · answer #4 · answered by ridcully69 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had heard, but cannot locate source right now - about 200 unrelated individuals, of both sexes. I.e., an extended family wouldn't do.
2006-07-02 04:29:40 · answer #5 · answered by AlphaOne_ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
150. Tribe size.
2006-07-02 04:16:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
use chlorine, the gene pool could really use it!
2006-07-02 04:33:43 · answer #7 · answered by cribbich2006 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
TWE PEOPLE
2006-07-02 04:12:21 · answer #8 · answered by WILLIAM J G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋