Allele Frequency and Genetic Drift

Small populations are more prone to genetic drift than large populations.

• True

• False

Calculate the frequency of the dominant allele in this population of beetles. Make sure to write your answer in percent form with the percent sign and no numbers after the decimal. (example: 24%)

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NGSS.HS-LS4-3

Alleles that improve survival will decrease in frequency in the next generation.

• True

• False

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NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

If a population of lizards is isolated on an island, with no new immigrants over many years, any new genetic variations are most likely to come from

• recessive alleles

• natural selection

• mutations

• speciation

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

In which of the following populations would genetic drift be most likely to cause a rapid evolution of the population?

• The human population of India

• A large population of Mexican free-tailed bats living in central Texas

• A geographically isolated population of 5000 green tree frogs

• A small group of 12 cheetahs living in Namibia

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

Genetic drift occurs most quickly in -

• small populations.

• populations with large genetic variation.

• populations with small genetic variation.

• large populations.

The _________________ _________________ occurs when there is a reduction in population due to natural disasters, over hunting or disease.

• founder effect

• gene flow

• bottleneck effect

• genetic drift

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NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Select all answers below that describe the founder effect.

• Changes allele frequencies

• Occurs when a new population arises from only a few individuals

• Can result in a loss of genetic diversity

• Is caused by a disaster that kills off most individuals in a population

Which of the following best describes genetic drift?

• A random change in allele frequencies in a population

• A consistent increase in beneficial alleles

• A decrease in harmful alleles

• A process that only occurs in large populations

What is the primary effect of genetic drift on small populations?

• Increased genetic diversity

• Decreased genetic diversity

• Increased mutation rates

• Decreased mutation rates