Unpredictable,chance fluctuation in allele frequency that has a neutral effect on fitness is called
A) founder effect.
B) selection.
C) genetic drift.
D) mutation.
E) inbreeding.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic drift refers to the random fluctuations in allele frequency in small populations. These fluctuations can be caused by chance events such as the random segregation of alleles during gamete formation or the death of individuals in a population due to a natural disaster. However, genetic drift does not have any selective advantage or disadvantage on the individual's fitness, hence it is called neutral. The other options such as founder effect, selection, mutation or inbreeding may influence the fitness of individuals in a population, but genetic drift is a neutral phenomenon.

Unpredictable,chance Fluctuation in Allele Frequency That Has a Neutral Effect