Biology Lecture on Genetic Variation and Population Genetics

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to genetic variation, population genetics, and mechanisms of evolution discussed in the lecture notes.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA among individuals, which can be caused by mutation, recombination, and other factors.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that is the ultimate source of genetic variation.

Recombination

The process by which new combinations of alleles are formed in gametes.

Genetic Drift

A mechanism of evolution that causes random changes in gene frequencies, especially in small populations.

Natural Selection

The process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Polymorphism

The presence of two or more variants (alleles) at a locus in a population.

Heterozygosity (H)

The fraction of individuals in a population that are heterozygous for a particular gene.

Fixation

The process by which a polymorphic locus becomes monomorphic due to the loss of all but one allele.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic variation from one population to another.

Balancing Selection

A form of natural selection that maintains genetic diversity in a population.