To start over...the minimum required without inbreeding occurring....i.e. the village...
2007-07-11 08:33:43 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
yes yes. but i mean is there a minimum number of people, where the effects of inbreeding will not be harmful?
2007-07-11 08:42:30 · update #1
The minimum is indeed two, one male and one female, both fertile. There will likely be a statistically significant incidence of genetically-induced problems, but most likely a civilization could result. More genetic diversity in the initial pool reduces the probability With a world population in the billions, there's no justification for taking any such genetic risk.
The best single improvement you could make is two males and two females, using all four matings, and having no sibling children mate.
2007-07-11 20:06:34 · answer #1 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's impossible to prevent inbreeding with a finite starting population. Eventually, genetic lines will have to cross. You have to determine an acceptable tolerance for inbreeding; are we talking brother / sister, cousins, 2nd cousins, etc...?
The minimum population would be 1 male and 1 female to start a civilization. Best of luck to both of them!
2007-07-11 15:52:49 · answer #2 · answered by Pfo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No matter the starting number of people at some point inbreeding will occur at some point if the civilization continues infinitely.
2007-07-11 15:37:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋