Question

Difference between genetic variation and genetic drift

Answer 1

Genetic drift accounts to random changes in the allelic frequency by chance. It is a chance of elimination of certain genes coding for certain traits as and when a small community of organisms dies. Genetic variability is reduced by eliminating certain alleles and fixing the existing alleles. Genetic drift occurs in small population. Genetic drift provides diversity without any adaptation. Variation in species may result in genetic drift.


Genetic variation is the difference in DNA sequences between individuals within a population. Variation occurs in germ cells i.e. sperm and egg, and also in somatic (all other) cells. Only variation that arises in germ cells can be inherited from one individual to another and so affect population dynamics, and ultimately evolution. Mutations and recombination are major sources of variation.