What is genetic drift?

Genetic drift refers to the process where allele frequencies in a population change due to random sampling effects, particularly in small populations. This randomness can lead to certain alleles becoming more or less common simply by chance rather than through natural selection or other intentional influences. Over time, genetic drift can result in significant changes in the population's genetic makeup, which may lead to increased variation or even the loss of certain alleles. This process is distinct from mechanisms like natural selection, which involves differential survival and reproduction based on fitness, or human-driven changes in genetics. Understanding genetic drift highlights the role that chance events can play in shaping the genetic structure of populations.