The Founder Effect   Scientists call it the founder effect — a subset of oddballs, unrepresentative, strike out on their own, like a sect in a genetic Mayflower, adventure- bound, and plant themselves in a new world, a niche to call their own. They reproduce, fill this world with offspring born of their twirled, oddball chromosomes. Before long they lose their history, forget about their past — by God, they speciate and fly the flag of their new oddball nation. When at last their sovereignty is unopposed, their bragging rights secure, they might embark on missions, conquests . . .                   (Where am I going with this?)     © Michael Fleming Putney, Vermont March 2023