A seabird living on a small island is born with a mutation that gives it a coloured patch on the top of its head. The mutation is dominant and appears to be neutral. Over the next twenty generations, the frequency of the 'head patch' allele should
A) increase.
B) decrease.
C) remain the same.
D) disappear.
E) Based on this information, it is impossible to predict.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the mutation is described as neutral, it does not confer any selective advantage or disadvantage to the seabirds. Therefore, its frequency in the population over time is subject to genetic drift and other evolutionary forces, making it impossible to predict without more specific information about the population size, mating patterns, and other ecological or genetic factors.

A Seabird Living on a Small Island Is Born with a Mutation