The founder effect is a form of genetic drift that occurs when a small group in a population splinters off and forms a new one. These founders can strongly affect the new colony's genetic makeup far into the future, since their small gene pool may be unrepresentative of that of the population at large. Down the line, this can result in an increase in recessive traits, even maladaptive ones, like certain genetic diseases. What are some communities that have been impacted by the founder effect?
Back in the day
Though the US made strides in prison reform in the 20th century, not enough had apparently changed at Attica Correctional Facility by 1971 to appease those confined in the overcrowded New York prison. At the time, inmates got just one "shower" a week and one roll of toilet paper a month. It was against these, and other, conditions that prisoners were protesting when they rioted and took 33 guards hostage. Days later, authorities stormed the prison, killing 39, including how many of the hostages?
Born on a day like today
Redding, an American soul singer known for his emotive style, began his career with Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers and recorded his first hit, "These Arms of Mine," during time left over at the end of a Johnny Jenkins session. His biggest hit, "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay," was recorded just days before he died in a plane crash at age 26. It became the first posthumous number-one single. What are some different explanations for why Redding whistles at the end of the song?