What is the best basis for distinguishing natural selection from genetic drift?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Usefulness is central in selection and chance is central in drift
The governing distinction is the cause of change in allele or trait frequency. In natural selection, environmental conditions favour some heritable variations because they improve survival or reproduction. In genetic drift, frequencies change randomly, especially in small populations, without regard to usefulness. Therefore option A is correct. Food may be one environmental factor, but it does not define both processes, and drift is not restricted to large organisms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Usefulness is central in selection and chance is central in drift
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing distinction is the cause of change in allele or trait frequency. In natural selection, environmental conditions favour some heritable variations because they improve survival or reproduction. In genetic drift, frequencies change randomly, especially in small populations, without regard to usefulness. Therefore option A is correct. Food may be one environmental factor, but it does not define both processes, and drift is not restricted to large organisms.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: World of Living. Topic: Heredity and Evolution.
Student feedback
Was this question useful?
👍 0 Helpful 👎 0 Not helpful
Yes 0% No 0%
0 responsesStudent Reviews
No published reviews yet.
