Genetic Drift Impact on Large & Small Populations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the impact of genetic drift on populations of varying sizes, specifically addressing its role in large populations, small populations, and bottleneck populations. Participants explore the implications of genetic drift in these contexts, including theoretical and conceptual aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that genetic drift is the change in allelic frequency due to random sampling, emphasizing that small populations are more susceptible to genetic drift than large populations.
  • Another participant agrees with the initial answer that option d (both small and bottleneck populations) is correct.
  • A participant questions whether the reasoning provided is agreeable, prompting further discussion.
  • It is noted that a population bottleneck can lead to random changes in gene frequencies and that smaller populations are more susceptible to fixation of new traits due to genetic drift. The founder effect is also mentioned as a common example of genetic drift.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of option d as the answer, but there is an ongoing discussion regarding the reasoning behind it and the implications of genetic drift in different population contexts.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of population bottleneck and genetic drift are present, and the discussion includes references to external sources for clarification. The implications of genetic drift in large versus small populations remain nuanced and are not fully resolved.

Tyto alba
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Homework Statement



Genetic drift play an imp role in:
a. Large population
b. Small population
c.Bottleneck population
d. Both b and c

Homework Equations


[/B]
Genetic drift is the change change in the allelic frequency due to random sampling. 'Small populations are more susceptible to genetic drift than large populations, whose larger numbers can buffer the population against chance events.' (https://www.boundless.com/biology/textbooks/boundless-biology-textbook/the-evolution-of-populations-19/population-genetics-131/genetic-drift-531-11736/)
Now Bottleneck population, the term is not a standard one I think. However population bottleneck ' is a sharp reduction in the size of a population due to environmental events (such as earthquakes, floods, fires, disease, or droughts) or human activities (such as genocide).' (wiki)
May be the author of this question intended the reduced population, with the individuals that survived, so it should be small.

The Attempt at a Solution



The answer's d ?

Note: I have a couple of threads unresolved here. I would resolve them as soon as I find some time, I'm in the mid of a series of exams and will be free by the 2nd/3rd week of next month.
 
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Yes, d is the correct answer.
 
Yes, a population bottleneck can lead to random changes in the frequencies of genes and traits (plus it will lead to smaller populations which are more susceptible to the fixation of new traits by genetic drift). The other common example of a case where you will observe genetic drift is the founder effect.
 
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Thank you.
 

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