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nmdcat.online July 14, 2026

Concerning evolutionary mechanisms, how does “natural selection” differ fundamentally from “genetic drift”?

A. Natural selection is a completely random process, while genetic drift is adaptive.
B. Natural selection systematically favors traits that improve reproductive success, whereas genetic drift changes allele frequencies purely by chance.
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C. Natural selection occurs only in small populations, while genetic drift occurs in large ones.
D. Genetic drift requires a strong struggle for existence, whereas natural selection does not.

📝 Explanation

Natural selection is a non-random, directional process that adapts populations to their environments, whereas genetic drift is random and non-adaptive.

📖 Additional Information

  • Natural selection is a completely random process, while genetic drift is adaptive.
  • Natural selection systematically favors traits that improve reproductive success, whereas genetic drift changes allele frequencies purely by chance.
  • Natural selection occurs only in small populations, while genetic drift occurs in large ones.
  • Genetic drift requires a strong struggle for existence, whereas natural selection does not.

Natural selection is a non-random, directional process that adapts populations to their environments, whereas genetic drift is random and non-adaptive.

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