Chapter 19.1: Evolution of Populations

Flashcards covering key concepts of Chapter 19.1 on the evolution of populations, including definitions, principles of genetics, and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium.

What is a gene?

A unit of DNA that transmits genetic information and codes for a specific protein.

What does the term 'alleles' refer to?

Different versions of a gene.

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Genotype is the specific alleles present in an individual, while phenotype is the observable trait of an individual determined by genotype.

What are diploid and haploid cells?

Diploid (2n) cells have 2 copies of each chromosome, while haploid (n) cells have 1 copy of each chromosome.

What is microevolution?

Small-scale changes in allele frequency within a population, leading to phenotypic changes over generations.

What is macroevolution?

Large-scale changes in allele frequency that leads to new species over a long period of time.

What is allele frequency?

The rate at which a specific allele occurs in a population.

What is the Gene Pool?

The sum of all alleles present within a population.

What is Genetic Drift?

A change in allele frequencies due to random chance, often occurring in small populations.

What does the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium state?

In the absence of evolutionary influences, allele and genotype frequencies will remain constant in a population.

Name one condition that must be met for a population to be in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium.

No natural selection.

Which formula calculates allele frequencies in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium?

p + q = 1, where p is the frequency of one allele and q is for the other.

What does p² + 2pq + q² = 1 calculate in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium?

The frequencies of the genotypes in a population.

In the Hardy-Weinberg model, what happens if allele frequencies change?

The population is evolving.

What is the Founder Effect?

A change in allele frequency that occurs when a small group of individuals colonizes a new area.

How many total alleles are in a population of 500 wildflowers with 320 red, 160 pink, and 20 white flowers?

Total alleles = 1000 (500 plants x 2 alleles per plant).