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genetic drift
noun
- random changes in the frequency of alleles in a gene pool, usually of small populations.
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.
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 .)
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Word History and Origins
Origin of genetic drift1
First recorded in 1955–60
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