Population Genetics

Flashcards about Population Genetics

What is a population in the context of population genetics?

A localized group of individuals belonging to the same species.

What defines a species?

A group of populations whose individuals have the potential to interbreed and produce fertile offspring in nature.

What is population genetics?

The study of the properties of genes within populations (gene pool).

How is the genetic structure of a population defined?

By its allele and genotype frequencies.

What is microevolution?

A generation-to-generation change in a population’s allele or genotype frequencies.

What is the modern synthesis of evolution?

A comprehensive theory of evolution that integrates Darwinian selection and Mendelian inheritance.

What are the conditions for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Very large population, no migration, no net mutations, random mating, and no natural selection.

What does Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium imply about evolution?

No evolution is occurring in a population meeting all the conditions.

In Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what do 'p' and 'q' represent?

p = frequency of dominant allele, q = frequency of recessive allele.

According to the Hardy-Weinberg equation, if p=0.8 and q=0.2 , what is the allele frequency?

p + q = 1 (0.8 + 0.2 = 1)

According to the Hardy-Weinberg equation, if p=0.8 and q=0.2 , what is the genotype frequency?

(p + q)2 = p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1