Although each of the following has a better chance of influencing gene frequencies in small populations than in large populations, which one most consistently requires a small population as a precondition for its occurrence?
A) mutation
B) nonrandom mating
C) genetic drift
D) natural selection
E) gene flow

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic drift is the random fluctuation of gene frequencies in a population due to chance events. In small populations, chance events can have a larger impact on gene frequencies due to the smaller sample size. Therefore, genetic drift most consistently requires a small population as a precondition for its occurrence. The other options (mutation, nonrandom mating, natural selection, and gene flow) can occur in both small and large populations.

Although Each of the Following Has a Better Chance of Influencing