Question

Genetic drift is greater in :

• A. Small populations
• B. Large populations
• C. Mendelian populations
• D. Sympatric poplulation

Answer 1

The correct option is A Small populations

Genetic drift is change in allele frequencies in a population from generation to generation that occurs due to chance events. Genetic drift is change due to "sampling error" in selecting the alleles for the next generation from the gene pool of the current generation. Although genetic drift happens in populations of all sizes, its effects tend to be stronger in small populations. If the population is small, then a small sample is taken of the gametic population in every generation. Small samples can vary more markedly from the larger sets from which they are selected than larger samples, so genetic drift is more powerful in smaller populations.

So, the correct option is 'Small populations'.