Question

A random fluctuation in gene frequency is called

• A. Genetic drift
• B. Genetic load
• C. Panmixis.
• D. Genetic shift

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question asks, "A random fluctuation in gene frequency is called?" The correct answer is Genetic drift. Let's explore this in more detail:

Explanation

Genetic drift is a concept in biology that refers to random changes in the frequency of alleles (gene variants) within a population. These changes are influenced by chance events rather than natural selection, mutation, or migration.

• Genetic Drift: This is the correct answer. It occurs in all populations of non-infinite sizes but its effects are most pronounced in small populations. Random fluctuations can lead to the increase or decrease of certain alleles over generations, sometimes even leading to their fixation or complete loss. It is a mechanism of evolution and differs from natural selection because it is not driven by environmental pressures or survival advantages.
• Genetic Load: This refers to the presence of unfavorable genetic mutations in a population. Unlike genetic drift, it does not involve random fluctuations but is more about the genetic burden on a population.
• Panmixis: This describes a population where all individuals are potential mates without restrictions, leading to random mating. It is not related to fluctuations in gene frequency but rather to the mating patterns within populations.
• Genetic Shift: This term is not commonly used in the context of allele frequency fluctuations. Genetic drift might sometimes be confused with genetic shift; the latter more specifically relates to significant evolutionary changes, often in viral populations.

In conclusion, genetic drift is distinct because it is a random process that can have significant evolutionary consequences in certain population dynamics, primarily due to its stochastic nature.