How does genetic drift differ from natural selection?

Answer 1

Natural selection and genetic drift are evolutionary mechanisms that alter allele frequencies over time; the main difference is that while allele frequencies change due to chance in genetic drift, they change due to differential reproductive success in natural selection.

Genetic drift occurs when the frequencies of traits in a population change purely by chance. This can happen when a random subset of a population dies (for example, from indiscriminate human hunting or a natural disaster), leaving the remaining individuals to pass on their traits to subsequent generations, but the population has changed, indicating evolution has taken place.

A trait that increases an organism's capacity for reproduction will be more likely to be passed down to the following generation than a trait that does not improve reproductive success. This process is known as natural selection, and it is the means by which the most adaptive traits for a given environment become more common generation after generation. It is not a random process, but it is also not a purposeful process.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer 2

Genetic drift is a random process that leads to changes in allele frequencies within a population, primarily in small populations, while natural selection is a non-random process that leads to the increase in frequency of advantageous alleles and decrease in frequency of disadvantageous alleles, thereby increasing the adaptation of a population to its environment.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

Not the question you need?

Drag image here or click to upload

Or press Ctrl + V to paste
Answer Background
HIX Tutor
Solve ANY homework problem with a smart AI
  • 98% accuracy study help
  • Covers math, physics, chemistry, biology, and more
  • Step-by-step, in-depth guides
  • Readily available 24/7