4 ms·
It's because of genetic drift. If there is no selection happening on the gene, then the relative distribution of that gene in the population effectively drifts
by aldoushuxley001 8y ago
It's because of genetic drift.
If there is no selection happening on the gene, then the relative distribution of that gene in the population effectively drifts at random.
So yes, a gene can definitely be dormant, but it can also be lost if it's not actively being selected for.
There's no guarantee that the gene will be lost if it's not used, but it's definitely a possibility that increases with time.