Lecture 17: Sexual Selection and Genetic Drift

These flashcards cover key concepts related to sexual selection, genetic drift, and population genetics.

Sexual Selection

A mechanism of evolutionary change based on mating success and selection based on traits.

Male-Male Competition

A form of sexual selection where males compete with each other for access to females.

Female Choice

A form of sexual selection where females select their mates based on specific traits.

Genetic Drift

Change in allele frequencies in a population due to chance events.

Founder Effect

A type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group from a population starts a new population.

Genetic Bottleneck

A significant reduction in population size that results in decreased genetic diversity.

Hardy-Weinberg Principle

A model describing allele frequencies in a population with conditions of equilibrium.

Anisogamy

A condition where there is a difference in gamete size between males and females.

Isogamy

A type of reproduction involving gametes of similar size, resulting in no distinct male or female.

Good Genes Model

The hypothesis that certain traits may indicate genetic fitness or quality.

Fisher’s Runaway Selection

A theory suggesting that female preference for certain traits leads to exaggerated traits in males.