Question

Explain why genetic drift is most likely to occur in a small population.

Answer 1

Genetic drift:

Genetic drift refers to the random fluctuation in the allele frequencies in a population due to chance events. In a small population, it can significantly change the allele frequencies so it is a more powerful force.

Reason for genetic drift in small populations:

1. Small populations are more likely to experience genetic drift because allele frequencies are more likely to vary swiftly and substantially over a few generations or drift due to random events.
2. Small populations might experience rapid change since each individual is different.