Other mechanisms of evolution (3)

Question 1

Natural selection is not the only mechanism of evolution. Other mechanisms include : (3)

Answer 1

polyploidy
gene flow
genetic drift

Question 2

What is polyploidy?

Answer 2

Polyploidy is the doubling or even trebling of the two basic sets of chromosomes. Often this also involves hybridisation between two species, and when this happens, the offspring have a unique genetic composition and cannot mate with either of their parental species. They ‘instantly’ thus become a new species.

Question 3

What is gene flow?

Answer 3

Gene flow, another important source of genetic variation, is the movement of genes between populations. This may happen through the migration of organisms or the movement of gametes (such as pollen blown to a new location).

Question 4

What is genetic drift?

Answer 4

Genetic drift is a process that produces random changes in the frequency of characteristics in a population.