In a random mating population in equilibrium, which of the following brings about a change in gene frequency in a non-directional manner:
- Mutations
- Random drift
- Selection
- Migration
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Random genetic drift is the process by which allele frequencies in a population change due to random chance events, such as genetic sampling errors. It can lead to fluctuations in allele frequencies over time, even in the absence of natural selection, mutation, or migration. Random drift tends to be more significant in smaller populations, where chance events can have a larger impact on allele frequencies.
So, the correct option is (B): Random drift
Top Questions on evolution
- Sweet potato and potato represent a certain type of evolution. Select the correct combination of terms to explain the evolution.
- NEET (UG) - 2025
- Biology
- evolution
- How does the process of Natural Selection affect Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium? Explain with the help of graphs.
- (a) “The process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starts from a point and literally radiates to other geographical areas.” Explain it with an example.
(b) Cite an example where more than one adaptive radiation has occurred in an isolated geographical area. Name the type of evolution your example depicts. - (a) "The process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starts from a point and literally radiates to other geographical areas." Explain it with an example.
(b) Cite an example where more than one adaptive radiation has occurred in an isolated geographical area. Name the type of evolution your example depicts. - A few stages and their respective time period in the evolutionary history of human beings are mentioned in the flowchart given below:
- 15 mya — Primates walking like gorillas and chimpanzees existed.
- 3–4 mya — Man-like primates walked in Eastern Africa. Fossils of their bones were discovered.
- 2 mya — This ancestor lived in the East African grasslands and ate fruits.
- 1.5 mya — This hominid had a brain size of 900 cc and probably ate meat.
- [(a)] Name one primate about 15 mya.
- [(b)] Name one place where fossils of primates were discovered in Eastern Africa.
- [(c)] Name the ancestor that lived in the East African grasslands about 2 mya.
- [(d)] Name the hominid that was found around 1.5 mya.
Questions Asked in NEET exam
- Find the statement that is NOT correct with regard to the structure of monocot stem.
- NEET (UG) - 2025
- The Stem
- Which of the following is an example of non-distilled alcoholic beverage produced by yeast?
- NEET (UG) - 2025
- Fermentation
- A specialised membranous structure in a prokaryotic cell which helps in cell wall formation, DNA replication, and respiration is:
- NEET (UG) - 2025
- Prokaryotic Cells
- Which chromosome in the human genome has the highest number of genes?
- NEET (UG) - 2025
- Human genome
- Which one of the following is the characteristic feature of gymnosperms?
- NEET (UG) - 2025
- Gymnosperms
Concepts Used:
Hardy-Weinberg Principle
Hardy Weinberg Law:
In a considerable size, random-mating population, the genotype and allele frequencies remain constant in the absence of any evolutionary influences from one generation to another. Influences include a choice of mate, natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, sexual selection, gene flow, genetic hitchhiking, founder effect, meiotic drive, population bottleneck, inbreeding, and assortative mating.
Assumptions for the Hardy Weinberg Principle
Following are a few assumptions for the law:
- Only sexual reproduction can take place.
- The mating process is random.
- The size of the population is indefinitely large.
- Entities are diploid.
- Generations do not overlap.
- Equality of allele frequencies in terms of sexes.
- No gene flow, selection, mutation, migration, or admixture.