Bio Chapter 21 a The Evolution of Populations

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the evolution of populations, including mechanisms of allele frequency change, genetic variation, and population genetics.

Natural Selection

The process by which allele frequencies in a population change over time due to differential survival and reproduction.

Allele Frequency

The proportion of a particular allele among all allele copies in a population.

Genetic Drift

A mechanism of evolution that involves random changes in allele frequencies in a population.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic variation from one population to another.

Hardy Weinberg Equation

A mathematical model used to calculate allele frequencies in a population that is not evolving.

Mutation

A change in the nucleotide sequence of an organism's DNA, resulting in a new allele.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism, influenced by its genotype and environment.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Gene Pool

The complete set of genetic information within a population, including all alleles at all loci.

Polygenic Variation

Variation that is controlled by multiple genes.

Monogenic Variation

Variation that is controlled by a single gene.

Sexual Reproduction

The biological process that creates a new organism by combining the genetic information from two individuals.

Dominant Allele

An allele that expresses its phenotype even in the presence of a recessive allele.

Recessive Allele

An allele that expresses its phenotype only when present in two copies.

Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium

The condition when allele and genotype frequencies in a population remain constant from generation to generation.