What would happen if a mutation created a new allele that decreased fitness?
A) The new allele would spread through the population and decrease the fitness of that population.
B) The new allele would decrease the fitness of the individual that possessed it, and that individual would have few or no offspring.
C) The new allele would have to change back to an allele of higher fitness so the possessor of that allele could maintain its fitness.
D) The individual with the new allele would wait for an environmental change so that its fitness would increase again.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If a new allele arises that decreases fitness, that individual with the allele is less likely to survive and produce offspring. Therefore, the frequency of that allele is likely to decrease over time, as individuals with the allele are selected against. This process is known as purifying selection.

What Would Happen If a Mutation Created a New Allele