7.4 population genetics

what are the types of random occurences?

genetic drift, mutations, gene flow

what is genetic drift?

random flunctuations in population allele frequency by random chance

what triggers genetic drift? (3)

natural disasters, disease outbreaks, simple fertilization

what are the results of genetic drift?

loss of genetic variations, fixation of certain alleles in populations

what are mutations?

random changes in dna > new traits/characteristics

what causes mutations? (2)

occurs spontanoeusly, exposure to radiation, chemical mutagens

what is the result of mutations?

beneficial mutagens increase in frequency, bad mutagens decrease in frequency

what is gene flow?

movement of genes between populations

how does gene flow relate to evolution and diversity?

interbreeding - introduces new genetic material, increases genetic diversity and adaptiveness

how do random occurences impact genetic makeup of a population?

change frequency of alleles within gene pool - more fit, more common

what do random occurences mean for evolution?

provide direction for evolution and the ability to adapt