Fixation (population genetics)

In population genetics, fixation occurs when every individual within a population has the same allele at a particular locus. The allele, such as a single point mutation or whole gene, will be initially rare (e.g. originating in one individual), but can spread through the population by random genetic drift and/or positive selection. Once the frequency of the allele is at 100%, being possessed by each member, it is said to be "fixed" in the population. Similarly, genetic differences between taxa are said to have been fixed in each species.