In a small population, the increase in the frequency of a charcter by chance that has little adaptive value is due to

Options

A. Genetic drift
B. Natural selection
C. Artificial selection
D. Migration

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question:**
The question asks about an increase in the frequency of a character in a small population due to chance, and it specifies that this character has little adaptive value.

2. **Analyzing the Options:**
- **Option A: Genetic Drift**
- Definition: Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in the frequency of alleles (gene variants) in a population. It is more pronounced in small populations where chance events can lead to significant changes in allele frequencies.
- Relevance: This option fits the description in the question as it involves an increase in frequency due to chance events in a small population.

- **Option B: Natural Selection**
- Definition: Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This mechanism is based on the adaptive value of traits.
- Relevance: This option does not fit the question because it emphasizes adaptation rather than random chance.

- **Option C: Artificial Selection**
- Definition: Artificial selection is the intentional breeding of organisms with desirable traits by humans. This process typically occurs in larger populations where selection is made based on specific traits.
- Relevance: This option is not applicable to the question as it does not involve chance events in a small population.

- **Option D: Migration**
- Definition: Migration refers to the movement of individuals from one population to another, which can affect allele frequencies but is not a random process.
- Relevance: This option does not address the increase in frequency due to chance in a small population.

3. **Conclusion:**
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **Genetic Drift**. This mechanism explains the increase in frequency of a character by chance in a small population, which aligns perfectly with the question's criteria.

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