Why is genetic drift aptly named? Select True or False for each statement. T/F It causes allele frequencies to drift up or down randomly. T/F It occurs when alleles from one population drift into another. T/F It occurs when mutations drift into a genome.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'genetic drift': Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, particularly in small populations, due to chance events.
2. Analyze the first statement: 'It causes allele frequencies to drift up or down randomly.' This is true because genetic drift involves random fluctuations in allele frequencies, which can increase or decrease without any predictable pattern.
3. Analyze the second statement: 'It occurs when alleles from one population drift into another.' This statement is false. The concept described here is more akin to gene flow, not genetic drift. Gene flow involves the transfer of alleles between populations.
4. Analyze the third statement: 'It occurs when mutations drift into a genome.' This statement is also false. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence and are not related to the concept of genetic drift, which deals with changes in allele frequency due to random sampling.
5. Summarize the correct understanding: Genetic drift is aptly named because it reflects the random 'drifting' of allele frequencies within a population over time, due to chance rather than natural selection or gene flow.

Key Concepts

Genetic Drift

Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population. These changes can lead to significant differences in traits over generations, especially in small populations, where chance events can have a larger impact on the genetic makeup.

Allele Frequencies

Allele frequencies represent how common a particular allele is in a population. They are crucial for understanding genetic variation and evolution, as shifts in these frequencies can indicate processes like natural selection, genetic drift, or gene flow.

Population Genetics

Population genetics is the study of genetic variation within populations and involves the examination of allele frequency changes over time. It integrates concepts from genetics, evolutionary biology, and ecology to understand how evolutionary forces, including genetic drift, affect populations.