How did these furry guys survive? I've been reading more and more into genetics recently, although I'm at a complete beginner level still. So I find things like the founder effect interesting. One day I'm googling the founder effect and find out... ALL syrian hamsters in captivity are descedent of 4 total individuals, one female and three male! How? By all accounts the genetic variety "should" be too low. This is honestly driving me mad. Why aren't they completely plagued by genetic disorders? Spoonfeed me. Also genetics thread I guess.