Which of the following processes causes a neutral allele to increase in frequency because it is linked to an allele under selection?
A) mutation
B) genetic drift
C) genetic hitchhiking
D) background selection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic hitchhiking, also known as genetic draft or selective sweep, occurs when a neutral allele that is physically linked to an allele under selection (such as a beneficial mutation) increases in frequency along with the selected allele. This is because the neutral allele is inadvertently "dragged along" as the selected allele spreads through the population. The neutral allele can then become more common even if it has no direct benefit or detriment to fitness.

Which of the Following Processes Causes a Neutral Allele to Increase