Question

Predict the relative effects of genetic drift in large vs. small populations and predict the relative time to allele fixation for large vs. small populations undergoing drift:

A) Genetic drift has a greater effect in large populations, and allele fixation occurs more quickly in large populations.
B) Genetic drift has a greater effect in small populations, and allele fixation occurs more quickly in small populations.
C) Genetic drift has a greater effect in large populations, but allele fixation occurs more quickly in small populations.
D) Genetic drift has a greater effect in small populations, but allele fixation occurs more quickly in large populations.

Answer 1

Genetic drift has a significant effect in small populations where chance events can quickly alter allele frequencies, leading to faster allele fixation. In larger populations, the gene pool is more stable and thus genetic drift and allele fixation occur at a slower rate.

option b is correct

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the question is B) Genetic drift has a greater effect in small populations, and allele fixation occurs more quickly in small populations.

Genetic drift is the effect of random chance on a population, affecting which alleles are passed on to the next generation. In small populations, every individual accounts for a larger fraction of the gene pool, so the loss or gain of alleles due to chance events like death or reproduction affects the population more dramatically. As a result, alleles can become fixed significantly more quickly in small populations compared to large populations. In contrast, large populations have a more stable gene pool that resists changes due to random events, making genetic drift less impactful and allele fixation slower.