INBREEDING
Inbreeding (the mating of genetically similar individuals) is another density-independent factor. Because all of the island's wolves are descendants of a single female ancestor, the entire population's genetic diversity is limited. Fewer and simpler combinations of genetic alleles are expressed from one generation to the next, resulting in the likelihood of increased incidence of genetic defects. Inbred individuals have lower fitness than non-inbred individuals. This inbreeding depression may make inbred individuals more susceptible to disease, less able to find food, or less likely to breed successfully.