There are 40 individuals in population 1, all with genotype A1A1, and there are 25 individuals in population 2, all with genotype A2A2. Assume that these populations are located far from each other and that their environmental conditions are very similar. Based on the information given here, the observed genetic variation is most likely an example of
A) genetic drift.
B) gene flow.
C) disruptive selection.
D) discrete variation.
E) directional selection.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observed genetic variation is most likely due to genetic drift, which can occur in small populations where random events can cause changes in allele frequencies. In this case, the populations are small (40 and 25) and have a homogeneous genotype within each population. Gene flow and disruptive selection are not likely to be the cause of the observed variation because the populations are far from each other and have similar environmental conditions. Discrete variation is a term used to describe traits that can be easily separated into distinct categories, which is not applicable to this situation. Directional selection is also an unlikely explanation because all individuals have the same genotype within each population, so there is no variation for selection to act upon.

There Are 40 Individuals in Population 1, All with Genotype