Evolutionary Analysis Chapter 6: Mendelian Genetics in Populations

These flashcards cover key concepts in Mendelian genetics and evolutionary processes such as selection and mutation that are crucial for understanding population genetics.

Evolutionary Genetics

Processes that cause allele and genotype frequencies to change in populations from generation to generation.

Phenotype

The observable physical traits of an individual that result from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual, typically represented by the alleles it possesses.

Hardy-Weinberg Model

A principle that states allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant across generations in the absence of evolutionary influences.

Gene Pool

The total collection of genes and their alleles in a given population.

Population Size

The total number of individuals in a population.

Allele Frequency

The proportion of a specific allele among all allele copies in a population.

Genotype Frequency

The proportion of a particular genotype among the individuals in a population.

Selection Coefficient (s)

A measure of the relative fitness of a genotype, representing the extent to which it is favored or disfavored by natural selection.

Mutation Rate

The frequency at which new mutations occur in a given gene or organism.

Natural Selection

The differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype.

Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, often in small populations.

Migration

Movement of individuals or gametes into or out of a population, affecting allele frequencies.

Fecundity

The reproductive capacity of an individual, often measured by the number of offspring produced.

Heterozygote Superiority

A situation where individuals with heterozygous genotypes have a fitness advantage over individuals with homozygous genotypes.

Eugenics

A controversial movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of a human population, often through selective breeding practices.

Selection on Heterozygotes

The concept that mechanisms of selection may favor individuals with heterozygous genotypes.

Frequency-Dependent Selection

A type of selection in which the fitness of a phenotype depends on its frequency relative to other phenotypes in a given population.

Equilibrium

A state in which allele and genotype frequencies remain constant over generations in a population.

Drosophila melanogaster

A species of fruit fly widely used as a model organism in genetics research.

Prion Disease

A class of infectious self-replicating proteins that can lead to neurodegenerative diseases.