Which statement about genetic drift as an evolutionary factor is true?
A) It is more potent in a population with small numbers than in a population with large numbers.
B) It is responsible for the selection of mutations.
C) It is connected to the movements of alleles between populations of a single species.
D) Its strength is proportional to the size of a population: the larger the population, the greater the force.
E) It has the same effect as gene flow.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic drift is more potent in smaller populations because random events can have a greater impact on allele frequencies. In larger populations, genetic drift is less likely to cause significant changes in allele frequencies because there is more genetic diversity to buffer against random fluctuations.

Answer: E is incorrect because gene flow is different from genetic drift. Gene flow refers to the movement of alleles between populations, whereas genetic drift refers to the random changes in allele frequencies that occur in small populations.

B and D are also incorrect. Genetic drift is not responsible for the selection of mutations (B) and its strength is not proportional to the size of the population (D).

Which Statement About Genetic Drift as an Evolutionary Factor Is