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Multiple Choice
In a population undergoing genetic drift, the allele frequency is ______.
A
always maintained at equilibrium
B
subject to random fluctuations over generations
C
unchanged unless natural selection acts
D
determined solely by mutation rates
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of genetic drift: it is a mechanism of evolution that causes random changes in allele frequencies in a population, especially in small populations.
Recall that genetic drift does not necessarily lead to equilibrium; instead, allele frequencies can fluctuate unpredictably from one generation to the next due to chance events.
Recognize that unlike natural selection, which changes allele frequencies based on fitness advantages, genetic drift causes changes that are random and not directed by environmental pressures.
Note that mutation rates can introduce new alleles but do not solely determine allele frequencies; genetic drift can cause these frequencies to vary independently of mutation.
Conclude that the allele frequency in a population undergoing genetic drift is subject to random fluctuations over generations, reflecting the stochastic nature of this evolutionary process.