Question

when we consider the idea of genetic change in population over time, what are the four general mechanisms of genetic change (along with a brief description of each).

Answer 1

Genetic changes in a population over time result in those changes becoming more prominent in the population leading to evolution. There are four general mechanisms of genetic change over time:

1. Mutation : Any sudden change in the DNA of an organism that is inheritable, i.e., passes on to the next generation is a mechanism of genetic change. It is a change in the nature of the DNA in one or more chromosomes. Mutations give rise to new alleles; therefore, they are a source of genetic variation in a population.
2. Gene Flow : Migration of individuals leads to interbreeding in a population. This contributes their genes to the gene pool of the local population. This establishes gene flow in the population.
3. Genetic Drift : When a small group of individuals leaves a population and establishes a new one in a geographically isolated region. This is known as genetic drift.
4. Natural selection : Another mechanism for evolution is natural selection, which occurs when populations of organisms are subjected to the environment. The fittest creatures are more likely to survive and pass their genes to their offspring, producing a population that is better adapted to the environment. The genes of less-fit individuals are less likely to be passed on to the next generation.