Final answer:
The reduced contribution of one phenotype in comparison to another in the next generation is an example of genetic drift.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reduced contribution of one phenotype in comparison to another in the next generation is an example of genetic drift. Genetic drift is a random change in allele frequencies due to chance events, such as the unequal survival and reproduction of individuals. It can lead to the loss of certain alleles or the increase in frequency of others, resulting in changes in the overall genetic makeup of a population.
For example, if a population of rabbits has two alleles for fur color, and a mutation occurs introducing a third allele, genetic drift can affect the frequency of these alleles over time. If individuals with the new allele have higher survival and reproductive success, the allele may become more prevalent in the population.
This process is different from natural selection, which involves the differential survival and reproduction of individuals based on their heritable traits. Genetic drift is more likely to occur in small populations or when there are chance events that cause a significant change in allele frequencies.