Question

read each example and identify it with one of the mechanisms that influence gene pools.
gene flow a zebra migrates to join a different herd of zebras.
genetic drift competition for sunlight leads to taller trees.
mutation the dna of a snake changes to make its venom stronger.
a grassfire randomly sweeps through a population of buffalo and kills most of the
mutation
gene flow
genetic drift
natural selection

Explanation:

To determine the correct mechanism for the grassfire affecting buffalo:

• Gene flow: Involves migration (not random death).
• Mutation: Involves DNA change (not random population loss).
• Natural selection: Involves adaptive survival (fire is random, not adaptive pressure).
• Genetic drift: Involves random events (like a fire) reducing population, altering gene pool frequencies.

The grassfire is a random event causing drastic population loss, matching genetic drift.

Answer:

genetic drift