The scenario described is an example of genetic drift. While natural selection involves traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage, genetic drift refers to random changes in a population's gene pool that can lead to changes in traits over generations, irrespective of their impact on survival or reproduction. In this case, the shorter tail trait is passed on purely due to chance rather than any selection advantage.
Consider the following scenario:
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
artificial selection
artificial selection
genetic modification
genetic modification
genetic drift
genetic drift
natural selection
1 answer
1 answer