Question

dok 3: the graph below shows the change in allele frequency of a specific gene in a small population over 20 generations. the population size is 50 individuals. based on the graph, which explanation best describes the effect of genetic drift on this population? additionally, predict what would likely happen to the allele frequency if the population size increased significantly.
genetic drift has no effect on allele frequencies; natural selection is the main factor. increasing the population size would not change allele frequency patterns.
genetic drift causes large random fluctuations in allele frequency in small populations, which can lead to the alleles becoming rare or fixed. in a larger population, allele frequency changes would be smaller and more stable.
genetic drift causes allele frequencies to decrease steadily in small populations, but in larger populations, allele frequencies would rapidly fluctuate without pattern, causing the population to remain largely unchanged.
genetic drift causes allele frequencies to increase steadily over time regardless of population size, so increasing the population would speed up this increase while the population being small means that the changes happen more slowly.

Explanation:

Genetic drift causes random fluctuations in allele frequency, especially in small populations. Larger populations buffer these effects.

Answer:

Genetic drift causes large random fluctuations in allele frequency in small populations, which can lead to the alleles becoming rare or fixed. In a larger population, allele frequency changes would be smaller and more stable.