|
|
Some populations are founded (started) by a small number of individuals whose descendants then all share the inherited characteristics of these few ancestors. Because Cepaea are hermaphrodites, even one snail can found a new population if it has mated before arriving in a new location. Although many Cepaea populations are polymorphic, a few may contain only one or two morphs due to the founder effect. This is particularly seen outside the native range of Cepaea, such as in populations that have been introduced in N. America.
|