7.4.B—Describe the role of random processes in the evolution of specific populations

Describe the role of random processes in the evolution of specific populations.

• Random processes can lead to changes in allele frequencies in a population.
  • i. Mutations result in genetic variation, which provides phenotypes on which natural selection acts.
  • ii. Genetic drift can allow a small population to diverge from other populations of the same species.
  • iii. Gene flow between two populations prevents them from diverging into separate species.