Understanding Genetic Drift in Evolution

Evolution is often driven by various mechanisms that lead to changes in populations over time. Among the critical processes involved is genetic drift, which is a change in the frequency of a gene variant (allele) in a population due to random sampling of organisms. This phenomenon can significantly impact small populations, leading to a reduction in genetic variation and potentially causing certain alleles to become fixed or lost. Understanding genetic drift is essential for comprehending how populations evolve independently and the broader implications for species survival.

Consider a small population of rabbits living in an isolated area. If a few rabbits carrying a rare coat color happen to survive a natural disaster, their traits become more common in the next generation, despite not providing any survival advantage. This scenario exemplifies genetic drift.