Question

Why is genetic drift a more powerful force in small populations?

Answer 1

Genetic drift:

1. The relative frequency of a specific allele in a population for a particular location is known as allele frequency.
2. Allele frequency is represented as a percentage or fraction.
3. Genetic drift is known as the random fluctuations in the number of gene variants in a population.
4. Genetic drift takes place when there is an occurrence of variant forms of a gene known as alleles which can increase or decrease by chance over time.
5. The allelic variations are measured as changes in allele frequencies in small populations.
6. Hence, in a small population it can significantly change the allele frequencies so it is a more powerful force.