AP Bio Unit 7.4-7.5

Population Genetics

The study of genetic variation within populations and how these variations change over time.

Gene Pool

The total genetic diversity found within a population, consisting of all alleles at all loci in individuals.

Microevolution

Small-scale changes in allele frequency within a population.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can introduce new alleles.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies that are more significant in small populations.

Bottleneck Effect

A drastic reduction in population size due to an environmental event, leading to over or under-representation of alleles.

Founder Effect

Occurs when a small number of individuals start a new population with a different allele frequency from the source population.

Gene Flow

The transfer of alleles between populations through the movement of individuals or gametes.

Natural Selection

A mechanism of evolution where individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more successfully.

Directional Selection

A mode of natural selection that favors one extreme phenotype.

Stabilizing Selection

A mode of natural selection that favors the average phenotype, reducing variation.

Disruptive Selection

A mode of natural selection that favors extreme phenotypes over the average.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A hypothetical scenario where allele frequencies remain constant in a population, indicating no evolution.

p + q = 1

The formula representing the relationship between the frequencies of two alleles in a population.

p² + 2pq + q² = 1

The formula for calculating genotype frequencies in a population.