genetic drift

noun

1. random changes in the frequency of alleles in a gene pool, usually of small populations.

genetic drift

1. Variation in the frequency of a gene in a small isolated population, thought to be due to random chance rather than natural selection.

genetic drift

1. A term that describes the random fluctuations in a gene pool over time. In large populations, the effects of genetic drift are negligible. ( Compare natural selection .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of genetic drift¹

First recorded in 1955–60