Evolution Question 60
60. Random genetic drift in a population probably results from
(a) large population size
(b) highly genetically variable individuals
(c) interbreeding within this population
(d) constant low mutation rate
Show Answer
Answer : c
Hints & Solution
(c) Genetic drift describes random fluctuations in the numbers of gene variants in a population. Genetic drift takes place when the occurrence of variant forms of a gene, called alleles, increases and decreases by chance over time. These variations in the presence of alleles are measured as changes in allele frequencies. The bottleneck effect is an extreme example of genetic drift that happens when the size of a population is severely reduced. Events like natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, fires) can decimate a population, killing most individuals and leaving behind a small, random assortment of survivors.
