What is the effect of genetic drift on a population?

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Genetic drift refers to the random fluctuations in allele frequencies within a population over successive generations, primarily due to chance events. This randomness can lead to a change in the genetic makeup of a population, particularly in small populations where random events can have a more pronounced effect. The concept that genetic drift results in changes due to random sampling highlights that certain alleles may become more or less common simply by chance, rather than as a result of natural selection or environmental pressures.

For instance, if a random event reduces the population size—such as a natural disaster—the alleles carried by the surviving individuals may not accurately represent the original population's genetic diversity. This can lead to a shift in the frequency of alleles, as some may be lost entirely while others may dominate. This illustrates how genetic drift can significantly affect the genetic structure of a population over time, independent of the fitness benefits or disadvantages associated with specific alleles.

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