What evolutionary mechanism describes changes in allele frequencies within a small population caused purely by random chance events rather than natural selection?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Genetic drift
- Step 1: Genetic drift refers to random fluctuations in allele frequencies from generation to generation due to chance sampling events.
- Step 2: Its effects are pronounced in small populations and can lead to fixation or loss of alleles (exemplified by founder effects and genetic bottlenecks).
Answer
Genetic drift.
Why not the others: 'Gene flow' is the transfer of alleles between populations via migration; 'Speciation' is the evolutionary formation of new species; 'Artificial selection' is selective breeding directed by human intervention.
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