Question

allele frequency refers to the fraction of individuals with a particular version of a given gene. what effect does natural selection have on the allele frequency of a population? a. it increases the frequency of alleles that improve a species’ survival in a particular environment. b. it causes random changes and the allele frequency of certain traits may increase or decrease. c. it causes the allele frequency to resemble that of a small number of individuals that became separated from the rest of the population. d. it greatly reduces the total population, which increases the effects of genetic drift on allele frequency.

Explanation:

Natural selection acts on traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a given environment. Alleles associated with such beneficial traits are more likely to be passed on, increasing their frequency in the population. Option A correctly describes this: natural selection increases the frequency of alleles that improve a species’ survival in a particular environment. Option B describes genetic drift (random changes), Option C describes the founder effect (a type of genetic drift from a small, separated group), and Option D describes a population bottleneck (also affecting genetic drift).

Answer:

A. It increases the frequency of alleles that improve a species’ survival in a particular environment.