04 -Evolution of Population (i.e. Macroevolution)

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the evolution of populations, focusing on microevolution, genetic variation, and mechanisms of evolution.

Microevolution

Changes in allele frequencies within a population over generations.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A principle that determines whether a population is evolving, characterized by the equation (p+q)2 = p2 + 2pq + q2.

Genetic Variation

The diversity in gene frequencies within a population, which is essential for evolution.

Mutation

Changes in DNA sequences that create new alleles, occurring in germline cells and can be neutral, deleterious, lethal, or advantageous.

Gene Flow

The movement of alleles between populations that increases genetic diversity and may prevent speciation.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in small populations, often due to bottleneck or founder effects.

Natural Selection

A mechanism of evolution that favors traits enhancing survival and reproduction.

Directional Selection

A type of natural selection that favors one extreme trait within a population.

Stabilizing Selection

Natural selection that favors average phenotypes and selects against extremes.

Disruptive Selection

Natural selection that favors both extreme phenotypes over intermediate phenotypes.

Balancing Selection

A type of selection that maintains multiple alleles in a population, often through heterozygote advantage.

Heterozygote Advantage

A situation where heterozygous individuals have a survival advantage, such as the sickle-cell trait against malaria.

Heterozygosity

A measure of genetic diversity in a population, indicating the proportion of individuals that are heterozygous.