Hardy-Weinberg Theorem

Big Idea

  • The Hardy-Weinberg Theorem is a null hypothesis indicating that alleles in a gene pool remain stable across generations.

  • Population genetics refers to changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time.

Hardy-Weinberg Postulates

  • Population Size: The smaller the population, the greater the effects on genetic stability.

  • Mutation: Refers to the occurrence of brand new genes randomly in a population.

  • Sexual Selection: Acts against equilibrium within a population.

  • Gene Flow: Movement of alleles from one population to another, introducing new genes.

Environmental Impact

  • The environment influences the survival of organisms.

Genetic Drift

  • Founder Effect: When a small group splinters from a larger population to form a new one, affecting genetic diversity.

  • Bottleneck Effect: A significant reduction in population size, often due to natural disasters, leading to loss of genetic variation.

Conclusion

  • For evolution to be absent, there must be no mutation, migration, sexual selection, small populations, or natural selection.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium is a mathematical equation that measures evolution rates. It is expressed as:
P2+2pq+q2=1P^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1

  • “p” indicates the dominant trait, while “q” indicates the recessive trait.

  • “P^2” represents homozygous dominant individuals.

  • “q^2” represents homozygous recessive individuals.

  • “2pq” represents heterozygous individuals.
    If the equation does not equal 1, evolution is occurring.