GENETIC DRIFT

Flashcards covering key concepts related to genetic drift and the Hardy-Weinberg theorem.

Hardy-Weinberg Theorem

A principle that allows calculation of genotype frequencies from allele frequencies and vice versa.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A state where evolution does not occur if all assumptions of the theorem are met.

Assumptions of Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Population is infinitely large, no migration, no mutation, no selection.

Genetic Drift

The process where allele frequencies change randomly due to chance events.

Population Size Influence on Genetic Drift

Genetic drift impacts small populations more dramatically than large populations.

Fixation Probability

The probability that a specific allele remains in the population until all others are lost.

Genetic Bottleneck

A significant reduction in population size that leads to decreased genetic diversity.

Founder Effect

Genetic bottleneck occurring when a small group starts a new population.

Mutation-Drift Balance

A dynamic where genetic drift moderates the number of mutations in a population.

Probability of Loss of New Alleles

Almost all new mutations are lost due to genetic drift, especially in large populations.