Evolution of Populations I (Lecture 3) Flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts relating to the evolution of populations, focusing on genetic variation, mechanisms of change, and models in evolutionary biology.

Population

A group of individuals of a single species that live in the same area and successfully interbreed.

Genetic Variation

Differences in genes among individuals in a population, which can arise from mutations, gene flow, genetic drift, and sexual reproduction.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A model that describes a population that is not evolving, defined by the equation p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1.

Mutation

A random change in DNA sequence that can lead to genetic variation; can be caused by replication errors, radiation, or chemicals.

Genetic Drift

A mechanism of evolutionary change due to random chance events affecting allele frequencies, particularly in small populations.

Natural Selection

The process by which alleles that enhance fitness increase in frequency within a population, leading to adaptation.

Phenotypic Plasticity

The ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental stimuli.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic material between populations, which can affect allele frequencies.

Founder Effect

A situation in which a new population's allele frequencies are affected by the founding individuals not representing the original population's frequencies.

Bottleneck Effect

An event that drastically reduces the size of a population, leading to a loss of genetic variation.

Sources of genetic variation

Mutations, alteration in gene locus, sexual reproduction