Question

Which of the following statements is true for genetic drift?

• A. The effects of genetic drift are negligible in smaller populations
• B. Genetic drift involves random changes in the allele frequencies in a population
• C. Genetic drift is one of the factors that creates genetic equilibrium in a population
• D. All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B Genetic drift involves random changes in the allele frequencies in a population

Within a population, if there is a change in the allele frequency by chance, it is called genetic drift. This might result in the loss of alleles or the fixation of alleles, but is entirely a chance event or random event.

The effects of genetic drift are more profound in a smaller population. A smaller population already has a reduced gene pool. Loss of alleles from a smaller population will more profoundly be noticeable within a less time duration.

Genetic equilibrium means that the allele frequencies in the population remain constant, but due to genetic drift, there is always a change in allele frequencies. Hence, genetic drift does not create genetic equilibrium in a population.