genetic drift

noun

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

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Words nearby genetic drift

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Compare gene flow.

Origin of genetic drift

First recorded in 1955–60

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Medicine definitions for genetic drift

genetic drift

n.

Random fluctuations in the frequency of the appearance of a gene in a small isolated population, presumably owing to chance rather than natural selection.drift

Science definitions for genetic drift

genetic drift

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

Culture definitions for genetic drift

genetic drift

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.)