genes

Genetic diversity

Differences in genetic makeup among individuals within a population, contributing to traits such as susceptibility to diseases.

Population structure

The way genetic variation is distributed in a population, influenced by factors such as migration, mating patterns, and environmental pressures.

Continuous variable

A measurable trait that can take on any value within a given range, often used to assess variations in characteristics such as height, weight, or blood pressure among individuals in a population.

Gene flow

The transfer of genetic material between populations, which can increase genetic diversity and alter the population structure.

Mean

The average value of a continuous variable, calculated by summing all observed values and dividing by the number of observations, providing insight into the central tendency of traits within a population.

Standard deviation

A statistical measure that quantifies the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values, indicating how much individual data points differ from the mean.

Categorical variable

A type of variable that can take on one of a limited and usually fixed number of possible values, assigning each observation to a specific category.

Percentage

A statistical measure that expresses a proportion or fraction of a whole, calculated by dividing the part by the total and multiplying by 100.

Selection

The process of choosing or identifying items or individuals from a larger group based on specific criteria.

Adaptation

The process of adjusting or modifying an approach or methodology in response to new information or changing conditions.

Developmental variation

The differences in growth patterns and changes in characteristics that occur within a population or species over time.

Distance curve

A graphical representation that illustrates the relationship between distance and time.

Velocity curve

A curve that shows the rate of growth at a given age, indicating growth is rapid during infancy but slows down significantly.

Genetic polymorphism

When a gene has more than one allele in a population, and each allele occurs at a rate of at least 1%.

Hemoglobin

An iron-containing protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and organs, and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs.