Chapter 11, Problem 1ACQ

Figure 11.7 Do you think genetic drift would happen more quickly on an island or on the mainland?

Summary Introduction

To review:

The genetic drift would happen more quickly on an island or on the mainland.

Introduction:

Genetic drift explains randomly fluctuations in the all types of gene variants in a population. When variant in a gene are appear that known as alleles then genetic drift takes place. These variations in alleles are measured with the changes in allele frequencies. Theses variations in alleles are increases and decreases by over time. Once genetic drift begins then allele is either lost by a population or allele present in a population. These both possibilities reduce the genetic diversity of a population.

Explanation of Solution

The geographical area of an island has much smaller than the main mainland; therefore, genetic drift is most quickly occurring in an island. The mainland has also affecting by other factors on their variation in gene frequency. This happened due to natural selection, mutation, migration and changes mediated by genetic drift.

Therefore, the population size of species in mainland is much more in compare to the size in an island. Hence, gene frequency is very low and hard to trace. In contrast, the island species interbreeds among themselves and do not require introduction of new genes. Hence, genetic drift can be traced easily.

Conclusion

Thus, the geographical area of an island has much smaller than the main mainland. Therefore, genetic drift occurs most quickly in an island. The island species interbreeds among themselves and not required introduction of new genes. Hence, genetic drift can be traced easily.