Population Genetics
Genetic Drift
Random changes in allele frequencies from one generation to the next due to chance events in reproduction. Effects are strongest in small populations where chance fluctuations are not averaged out.
Biological Context
In small populations, alleles can be lost or fixed purely by chance, regardless of their fitness effects. Genetic drift reduces genetic diversity and can cause populations to diverge randomly. Combined with founder effects, it explains why isolated island populations often differ markedly from mainland ancestors.
Business Application
Small organizations experience 'cultural drift'—random fixation of practices that happened to be present in early employees, regardless of whether they're optimal.