random drift; genetic drift
Technical term in population genetics; refers to random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations. Synonymous with 遺伝的浮動.
See also: 遺伝的浮動
In small populations, random drift has a large effect on gene frequencies.
Random drift is a factor in evolution distinct from natural selection.
Synonym; 遺伝的浮動 is the more common term for genetic drift, while 機会的浮動 emphasizes the random (chance) aspect.
Compound of 機会 (chance, opportunity) + 的 (-like, -al) + 浮動 (drift, floating movement). A calque from English 'random drift' or 'genetic drift', likely coined in genetics literature.