Question

1) The rate at which genetic drift fixes and eliminates alleles depends on what factor(s)?

Select one:

a. population size

b. intensity of non-random mating

c. initial allele frequencies

d. both A and C

2)

During a founder event, what process can dramatically shift allele frequencies in the founder population away from the frequencies in the source population?

Select one:

a. genetic drift

b. migration and gene flow

c. negative frequency dependent selection

d. linkage

3)

The loss of heterozygosity due to genetic drift is generally bad for a population's fitness and chances for long-term survival because...

Select one:

a. selection favors homozygotes

b. selection favors heterozygotes

c. increased frequency of homozygotes exposes deleterious recessive traits

d. genetic diversity is critical for adaptation if environmental conditions change

e. both c and d

Answer 1

1.

Option D is correct.

The rate at which genetic drift fixes or eliminates a particular allele depends upon the population size as well as the frequency of the allele in the founder population.

2.

Option A is correct.

Genetic drift can cause dramatic changes in allele frequencies in the founder populations.

3.

Option E is correct.

Heterozygosity is good for the genetic diversity in a population as each allele may behave differently to a changing environment.

Heterozygosity maintains genetic diversity in a population.

It also helps to preserve a population from harmful homozygous recessive traits.