Question

chapter quiz: processes of evolution
total points: --/100
which of the following is a change in allele frequency due to chance alone?
bottleneck
genetic drift
founder effect
gene flow

Explanation:

Define the core mechanism of random allele frequency changes

The question asks for the mechanism that causes a change in allele frequency due to chance alone. By definition, random fluctuations in allele frequencies from generation to generation in a population are known as genetic drift.

Analyze the given options

• Bottleneck: A specific event that leads to genetic drift by drastically reducing population size.
• Genetic drift: The broad, overarching evolutionary mechanism of allele frequency change due to chance.
• Founder effect: A specific type of genetic drift occurring when a small new population is established.
• Gene flow: The movement of alleles between populations, which is not due to chance alone within a population.

Select the most direct and general term

While bottleneck and founder effect are examples of genetic drift, "Genetic drift" is the direct, general definition for a change in allele frequency due to chance alone.

Answer:

• Bottleneck
• Genetic drift (Correct answer)
• Founder effect
• Gene flow