In a random mating population in equilibrium, which of the following brings about a change in gene frequency in a non-directional manner :-
- Selection
- Random drift
- Mutations
- Migration
Answer
(2) Random drift
Solution
As per NCERT, gene migration (gene flow), genetic drift, mutation, genetic recombination and natural selection affect Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.
⇒ Natural selection changes allele frequencies in a definite direction (towards the favoured phenotype).
⇒ Genetic (random) drift changes allele frequencies by chance alone; an allele may increase or decrease in any generation.
∴ Random drift brings about a non-directional change in gene frequency.
Answer: (2)