Which population is more likely to be affected by genetic drift?
A) 12 squirrels in a forest
B) 49 herons in a colony
C) 215 fleas on a dog
D) 1350 mice in a house
E) 3000 zebra in a herd

Question

​Which population is more likely to be affected by genetic drift?
A) ​12 squirrels in a forest
B) ​49 herons in a colony
C) ​215 fleas on a dog
D) ​1350 mice in a house
E) ​3000 zebra in a herd

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic drift has a more significant effect on smaller populations because random events can more drastically alter the frequency of alleles within the population. With only 12 squirrels, this population is the smallest and therefore most susceptible to genetic drift compared to the larger populations listed.

​Which Population Is More Likely to Be Affected by Genetic

Which Population Is More Likely to Be Affected by Genetic