An animal is born with a shorter tail. This makes no difference to its ability to survive or reproduce, but as a result of pure luck, the animal survives, reproduces, and passes its shorter tail down to its offspring. Over time, the species develops a shorter tail.

What type of process is described in this scenario?

(1 point)
Responses

genetic modification
genetic modification

natural selection
natural selection

artificial selection
artificial selection

genetic drift

1 answer

The process described in the scenario is best classified as genetic drift. Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, particularly in small populations. In this case, the shorter tail is passed down purely by chance rather than due to a selective advantage, so it fits the concept of genetic drift.