Which of the following can be considered random or non-random when it comes to genetic changes?

Gene flow is the transfer of genetic material between populations and is considered a non-random process because it is influenced by factors such as migration patterns and selective mating. In contrast, gene drift, or genetic drift, refers to random changes in allele frequencies due to chance events, particularly in small populations, which can lead to significant changes over generations without regard to fitness or adaptability.

Natural selection is also a non-random process, as it fundamentally operates based on the differential survival and reproduction of individuals, where certain traits become more common in a population due to the advantages they confer in a particular environment.

Therefore, the only absolutely random change in genetics described among the options is genetic drift, making the statement that only gene flow can be considered random inaccurate. The inclusion of all these processes—gene drift as the random process, while gene flow and natural selection are both non-random—illustrates the complexity of how genetic variation occurs within populations. Hence, recognizing that genetic changes can be both random and non-random is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary dynamics.