African cheetahs, which suffered a dramatic drop in population, rebounded in number to create a population of unusually similar genetic animals. This is called

The phenomenon you are describing is known as a genetic bottleneck. A genetic bottleneck occurs when a population’s size is significantly reduced for at least one generation, which can lead to a loss of genetic diversity. This reduction in genetic variation is often a result of catastrophic events or significant pressures on the population, such as habitat loss, poaching, or environmental changes.

When the population rebounds, the reduced genetic diversity means that the surviving individuals have a more homogeneous genetic makeup, leading to issues such as inbreeding and increased vulnerability to diseases. In the case of the African cheetah, research has shown that their genetic diversity is significantly lower compared to other big cats, which can affect their long-term survival and adaptability.

Conservation efforts aimed at protecting their habitats and facilitating gene flow between isolated populations are crucial in mitigating the effects of this genetic bottleneck.