Changes in the allele frequencies of a gene pool due to the random meeting of gametes during fertilization is called
A) mutations.
B) genetic drift.
C) gene flow.
D) nonrandom mating.
E) natural selection.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic drift refers to the random fluctuations in allele frequencies that occur in small populations due to chance events, such as the random meeting of gametes during fertilization. This is in contrast to natural selection, which occurs as a result of differential survival and reproduction of individuals with certain alleles, and gene flow, which occurs when individuals migrate between populations and bring their alleles with them. Mutations and nonrandom mating can also influence allele frequencies, but they are not specifically related to the random meeting of gametes during fertilization.

Changes in the Allele Frequencies of a Gene Pool Due