Population Genetics Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to population genetics and the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium.

What are the major assumptions of the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium?

1. Mating is random (panmictic) 2. Population is infinitely large 3. No gene flow (migration) 4. No mutation 5. Equal probability of survival and reproduction (no natural selection)

Define allele frequency.

The proportion of all gene copies in the population.

What does it mean if a population is in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium?

Allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from generation to generation unless evolutionary mechanisms are acting upon them.

If p is the frequency of allele A1 and q is the frequency of allele A2, what is the relationship between p and q?

p + q = 1.

In a population with allele frequencies p = 0.7 and q = 0.3, what is the expected genotype frequency for A1A1?

0.49 (p2).

What is the formula for calculating heterozygote frequency in Hardy-Weinberg?

2pq.

What is phenotypic plasticity?

The ability of genotypes to produce a range of phenotypes in response to different environmental conditions.

What happens to the allele frequencies if natural selection is present?

The population may undergo evolutionary change, thereby violating Hardy-Weinberg assumptions.

How can genetic drift affect a small population?

Genetic drift can cause random changes in allele frequencies, leading to potential evolution in small populations.

What is the importance of the Hardy-Weinberg Principle in the study of evolution?

It provides a foundational model to understand how allele frequencies are expected to behave in a non-evolving population.