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Non random mating can indirectly affect evolution but does not change _____________ on its own

User Mattruma
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Final answer:

Nonrandom mating changes the population's gene pool but does not alter allele frequencies on its own. It needs other evolutionary factors such as natural selection, mutation, or gene flow to influence evolutionary change.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nonrandom mating can indirectly affect evolution but does not change allele frequencies on its own. This type of mating refers to mate choice or other forces that cause individuals to choose certain mates over others within a population. While nonrandom mating does alter the population's gene pool, it does not necessarily lead to evolutionary change unless coupled with other factors like natural selection, mutation, or gene flow which can subsequently alter allele frequencies.

One example of nonrandom mating is assortative mating, where individuals prefer to mate with partners who are phenotypically similar to themselves. This can lead to an increase in genetic similarity within a population but doesn't change allele frequencies by itself. Nevertheless, when assortative mating is combined with selective pressures, it can influence which alleles are passed on more frequently within a population, and in turn, affect evolution.

User Arne De Smedt
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