Microevolution and Population Genetics

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to microevolution and population genetics to aid in exam preparation.

Microevolution

Change in allele frequencies in a population over generations.

Natural Selection

A mechanism of evolution where individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, particularly impactful in small populations.

Gene Flow

The transfer of alleles between populations through migration.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A theoretical state in which a population's allele frequencies remain constant if certain conditions are met.

Polymorphism

The presence of two or more distinct forms of a trait within a population.

Allele Frequency

How common an allele is in a population.

Bottleneck Effect

A significant reduction in population size that leads to a loss of genetic variation.

Founder Effect

Genetic diversity that results when a small group starts a new population distinct from the original.

Sexual Selection

The process in which individuals with certain traits are more likely to attract mates.

Stabilizing Selection

A type of natural selection that favors intermediate phenotypes over extreme ones.

Directional Selection

Natural selection that favors one extreme phenotype over others, causing the allele frequency to shift in one direction.

Disruptive Selection

Natural selection that favors extreme phenotypes over intermediate ones.

Adaptation

A characteristic that improves an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment.

Genetic Variation

The diversity in gene frequencies within a population.

Heterozygote Advantage

A situation where heterozygous individuals have a higher fitness than homozygous individuals.