Question

type of genetic drift where a small group of the population splits off from the larger population and starts their own population
evolution
gene flow
mutation
population bottleneck
natural selection
geographic separation
founder effect
frequency

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Evolution: Broad change over time, not specific to this scenario.
• Gene flow: Transfer of genes between populations, not about a small group starting a new population.
• Mutation: Change in DNA sequence, not related to population splitting.
• Population bottleneck: Reduction in population size, not a small group splitting off.
• Natural selection: Survival of fittest, not about population splitting.
• Geographic separation: Physical separation, not the genetic drift aspect here.
• Founder effect: Occurs when a small group splits from a larger population to start a new one (a type of genetic drift).
• Frequency: Not a process related to this scenario.

Answer:

founder effect