Question

Generation-to-generation change in the allele frequencies in a population is _____.

Answer 1

Evolution in a population happens through the change in allele frequencies from one generation to the next, which can be driven by natural selection, genetic drift, or founder effects. Population genetics investigates these changes to understand how populations evolve over time.

Step-by-step explanation:

Generation-to-generation change in the allele frequencies in a population is defined as evolution. When scientists study this change, they are exploring population genetics and microevolution. These changes in allele frequencies can occur due to various factors, including natural selection, random events such as genetic drift, and founder effects.

Genetic drift, in particular, is the effect of chance on the allele frequencies within a small population. This random change can result from chance events that affect which individuals survive or reproduce. Over time, such events can lead to significant alterations in a population's genetic structure, leading to evolution. Allele frequencies are crucial for scientists to understand population genetics as they give clues about the selective forces and environmental factors influencing a population's evolution.

For example, natural selection can favor a phenotype that leads to more offspring surviving, causing an allele to become more frequent in the population, while genetic drift might cause allele frequencies to change simply by chance. Both mechanisms are essential in shaping the genetic diversity of populations.

Answer 2

Generation-to-generation change in the allele frequencies in a population is _____.

a. genetic drift b. natural selection c. macroevolution d. mutation e. Microevolution

Answer:

e. Microevolution

Step-by-step explanation:

Microevolution refers to the small changes in the allele frequencies and the genotype frequencies of the populations. These changes occur over a few generations and deviate the populations from the genetic equilibrium.

The processes responsible for microevolution are mutations, genetic drift, gene flow, etc. Similarly, sexual selection and nonrandom mating also change the allele frequencies of the populations. Likewise, natural selection brings about microevolution by increasing the frequencies of the alleles that impart the beneficial traits to the organisms.