NEET · BiologyHard
According to the neutral theory of molecular evolution, what is the primary driver of genetic variation within a species?
- A.Natural selection acting on beneficial mutations.
- B.Genetic drift of neutral mutations.
- C.High rates of deleterious mutations.
- D.Convergent evolution of protein structures.
Show correct answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: B — Genetic drift of neutral mutations.
Solution
- The neutral theory of molecular evolution states that most mutations that reach fixation are selectively neutral.
- These neutral mutations do not affect the fitness of the organism.
- The frequency of these alleles changes over time primarily due to random genetic drift.
- Therefore, genetic drift is the main force driving molecular variation under this theory.
- Hence the answer is (B).
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