Question

evolution. speciation can occur in many different ways. what is the difference between genetic drift and natural selection? click the view theory button if you need guidance to answer the question. a) genetic drift influences evolution through random chance. evolution by natural selection results in better environmentally adapted populations b) genetic drift relies on constant new mutations whereas mutations do not influence natural selection c) trick question. they are the same thing d) genetic drift means the best-adapted organisms survive. natural selection is used by breeders to produce better-adapted groups or organisms

Explanation:

• Option a: Genetic drift is random (e.g., bottleneck, founder effect), while natural selection favors traits that enhance survival/reproduction in an environment, leading to better - adapted populations. This matches the definitions.
• Option b: Mutations do influence natural selection (as they provide variation for selection to act on), and genetic drift doesn't rely on constant new mutations. So this is incorrect.
• Option c: Genetic drift and natural selection are distinct mechanisms of evolution, so this is wrong.
• Option d: The description is reversed; natural selection is about the best - adapted organisms surviving, and genetic drift is random, not related to breeder - driven selection (that's artificial selection). So this is incorrect.

Answer:

a) Genetic drift influences evolution through random chance. Evolution by natural selection results in better environmentally adapted populations