Question

Genetic drift, or changes in allelic frequency due to chance factors, occurs in populations that are very ______.

Options

• isolated

• mobile

• small in number

• closely adapted to local environments

Answer 1

Genetic drift, or changes in allelic frequency due to chance factors, occurs in populations that are very small in number.

Explanation:

Genetic drift, the change in allele frequencies due to chance events, occurs most significantly in populations that are very small in number. In small populations, random events can have a larger impact on allele frequencies, potentially leading to the loss or fixation of alleles independent of natural selection. This is because chance plays a greater role when there are fewer individuals.