Continuation of recessive harmful genes in a population is termed

Options

A. Gene flow
B. Sewall wright effect
C. Genetic load
D. Bottleneck effect

Answer

To solve the question "Continuation of recessive harmful genes in a population is termed," we need to analyze the options provided and determine which one correctly describes this phenomenon.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**:
- The question asks for a term that describes the persistence of harmful recessive genes within a population. Recessive genes can remain in a population even if they are harmful because they do not manifest in individuals unless they are homozygous recessive.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A: Gene Flow**:
- Gene flow refers to the transfer of genetic material between populations. This does not specifically relate to the continuation of harmful recessive genes.
- **Conclusion**: Incorrect.

- **Option B: Wright Effect**:
- The Wright Effect (or Wright's effect) is associated with genetic drift, which describes changes in allele frequencies due to random sampling effects. While it can affect gene frequencies, it does not specifically refer to the continuation of harmful recessive genes.
- **Conclusion**: Incorrect.

- **Option C: Genetic Load**:
- Genetic load refers to the presence of unfavorable genetic variants in a population. It specifically addresses the burden of deleterious alleles, including recessive harmful genes, that can persist in the gene pool.
- **Conclusion**: Correct.

- **Option D: Bottleneck Effect**:
- The bottleneck effect occurs when a population's size is significantly reduced for at least one generation, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. While it can influence allele frequencies, it does not specifically refer to the continuation of harmful recessive genes.
- **Conclusion**: Incorrect.

3. **Final Answer**:
- The correct term for the continuation of recessive harmful genes in a population is **Genetic Load** (Option C).