##  [Neutral Theory of Molecular Evolution](/neutral-theory-molecular-evolution) 

  ##  [Neutral Theory of Molecular Evolution](https://natural.quantumdictionary.io/neutral-theory-molecular-evolution-0) 

  

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**Natural & Formal Sciences Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

A theory proposing that most genetic variation at the molecular level (e.g., DNA and protein sequences) is produced and fixed by random genetic drift acting on selectively neutral mutations rather than by positive natural selection. In this dictionary it denotes the model that treats substitution rates and polymorphism levels principally as functions of mutation and drift.