Question

Q3.17. In recent centuries humans have, to a greater extent than ever before in our history, moved great distances and mated with individuals who were born in different places. If this pattern continues in the future, which of the following is the most likely evolutionary consequence? Allele frequencies will become more similar across populations; adaptation to local conditions will be reduced. Mechanisms of evolution besides migration will cease to occur for any human population. The overall rate of evolution will slow down to the point of being unobservable. As populations become more mixed, the rate of occurrence of new mutations will be reduced.

Answer 1

Due to an increased human migration and mating among individuals belonging to different parts of the world, there has been an increase in mixing of genes. Consequently, we can expect allele frequencies to become similar across populations belonging to different geographical area. This may affect those genes that provide local adaptation to an individual. Thus, the correct choice should be:

(a) Allele frequencies will become more similar across populations; adaptation to local conditions will be reduced.