Genetic Drift and Types of Selection

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What is genetic drift?

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Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, particularly in small populations.

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What is the bottleneck effect?

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The bottleneck effect occurs when a large population is drastically reduced by an event (e.g., natural disaster), leading to a loss of genetic diversity as the new population is formed from the survivors.

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NGSS.HS-LS4-2

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What is the founder effect?

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The founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to reduced genetic diversity compared to the original population.

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What is stabilizing selection?

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Stabilizing selection is a type of natural selection that favors average phenotypes and reduces variation, leading to a decrease in extremes.

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What is directional selection?

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Directional selection is a type of natural selection that favors one extreme phenotype over others, causing a shift in the population's traits.

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What is disruptive selection?

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Disruptive selection is a type of natural selection that favors extreme phenotypes at both ends of the spectrum, leading to increased variation.

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NGSS.HS-LS4-4

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How does genetic drift affect small populations?

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Genetic drift has a more significant impact on small populations because random events can lead to larger changes in allele frequencies.

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What is the impact of a bottleneck effect on genetic diversity?

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The bottleneck effect typically reduces genetic diversity in a population, as only a small number of individuals contribute to the gene pool.

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Why is genetic diversity important for a population?

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Genetic diversity is important for a population's ability to adapt to environmental changes and resist diseases.

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What is an example of stabilizing selection in nature?

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An example of stabilizing selection is the clutch size of birds, where too few or too many eggs can reduce the survival rate of offspring.

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