Genetic Drift Impact on Large & Small Populations

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SUMMARY

Genetic drift significantly impacts both small and bottleneck populations, leading to random changes in allelic frequencies due to chance events. Small populations are particularly vulnerable to these changes, as their limited size cannot buffer against random sampling effects. The discussion confirms that the correct answer to the homework question is option d, which encompasses both small and bottleneck populations. Additionally, the founder effect is noted as another scenario where genetic drift is observable.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of genetic drift and its mechanisms
  • Knowledge of population genetics terminology
  • Familiarity with the concepts of population bottleneck and founder effect
  • Basic comprehension of allelic frequency changes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of genetic drift in small populations
  • Study the founder effect and its role in population genetics
  • Examine case studies of population bottlenecks in various species
  • Learn about statistical methods for analyzing allelic frequency changes
USEFUL FOR

Biologists, geneticists, and students studying population genetics, particularly those interested in the effects of genetic drift on population dynamics.

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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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