What is the role of genetic drift in evolution? (1930)

What is the role of genetic drift in evolution? (1930)

Step 1: Understand what genetic drift is. It is a process where allele frequencies (the different versions of a gene) change randomly over time.
Step 2: Recognize that genetic drift happens more in small populations. In small groups, random events can have a bigger impact on the gene pool.
Step 3: Realize that genetic drift can lead to the loss of genetic variation. Some alleles may disappear completely from the population.
Step 4: Know that genetic drift can cause populations to evolve in different directions, even if they are not adapting to their environment.
Step 5: Remember that genetic drift is one of several mechanisms of evolution, alongside natural selection, mutation, and gene flow.

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