In a random mating population in equilibrium, which of the following brings about a change in gene frequency in a non-directional manner :-
- Selection
- Random drift
- Mutations
- Migration
Answer
(2) Random drift
Solution
As per NCERT, gene migration (gene flow), genetic drift, mutation, genetic recombination and natural selection affect Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.
Natural selection changes allele frequencies in a definite direction, towards the favoured phenotype.
Genetic (random) drift, on the other hand, changes allele frequencies by chance alone, so an allele may increase or decrease in any generation.
∴ Random drift brings about a non-directional change in gene frequency.
Answer: (2)