Question

Genetic drift operates only in

• A. Island populations
• B. Smaller populations
• C. Larger populations
• D. Mendelian populations

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Smaller populations

The correct option is B.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. When a new genes or alleles are added to new population due to chance events, it is called genetic drift.
2. Sometimes the change in allele frequency in the new population leads to the formation of different species.
3. This drifted population become founders and the altered genes transferred from one generation to another.
4. This genetic drift effect is more in the small population.

Final answer: Genetic drift operates only in smaller populations.