This document discusses population genetics and microevolution. It explains that evolution occurs at the genetic level through heritable changes in DNA, arising from various sources of genetic variation within populations like mutation, recombination, and random mating. The key concepts of gene pool, allele frequencies, genetic equilibrium, and Hardy-Weinberg principle are introduced to illustrate how evolution can result from changes in the distribution of alleles in a population over generations under the influence of genetic drift or natural selection.

1. (Chapter 16)
EVOLUTION OF
POPULATIONS

2. Population genetics is the study of
evolution among groups of the same
species from a genetic point of view.
Evolution at the genetic level is
sometimes called microevolution.
POPULATION GENETICS

3. To understand population genetics, we must look at:
natural variation (Darwin),
genes (Mendel – factors),
which are made of DNA (Franklin, Watson & Crick)
Evolution occurs on the genetic level, beginning with
heritable changes in DNA molecules (Genetic
Variation)
VARIATION OF TRAITS IN POPULATIONS

4. 1.Mutation
2.Recombination
3.Random pairing of gametes during
fertilization
4.Gene switches
5.Environmental factors
RECALL: SOURCES OF GENETIC VARIATION

5. Genetic variation occurs in
populations (visible as
phenotypic variation)
Population: organisms of
the same species in the same
place at the same time that
interbreed!
Interbreeding among members of
a population creates “gene pool”
Gene Pool: all genetic
information (alleles) in a
population
GENE POOL

6. Phenotype frequency: the
number of individuals with a
particular phenotype out of the
total population
Black = 0.64
Brown = 0.36
Allele Frequency: number of
times allele occurs in a population
 Expressed in decimals
 Frequency isn’t related to an allele
being dominant or recessive (Inventory
of Traits)
RELATIVE FREQUENCY
BB = 16 B + 16 B = 32 B
Bb = 48 B + 48 b
bb = 36 b + 36 b = 72 b
B = 32 + 48 = 80
b = 48 + 72 = 120
B = 80/200 = 0.40
b = 120/200 = 0.60

7. Genetic Equilibrium: situation in which allele
frequencies do not change
 Evolution can not occur
Hardy-Weinberg Principle: allele frequencies in a
population will remain constant from generation to
generation unless acted on by outside influences
GENETIC EQUILIBRIUM

8. Theoretical Equilibrium
1) Extremely Large
Population Size
2) No Gene Flow
3) No Mutations
4) Random Mating
5) No Natural
Selection
**If any of these
conditions are not
met, evolution will
occur**
Real Populations
Some populations actually quite
small
Immigration, Emigration
Random DNA mutation will
always occur (over time)
Individuals prefer mates w/
certain phenotypes (sexual
selection
Survival depends on many
factors (struggle for survival)
CONDITIONS FOR HARDY-WEINBERG GENETIC
EQUILIBRIUM

9. BREEDING BUNNIES: WHAT HAPPENED?

10. Natural selection occurs with
species, not individuals
Only survivors contribute to gene pool
and can make changes
Change in relative frequency →
evolution of population
EVOLUTION AS GENETIC CHANGE

11. Genetic Drift =a change in the population's allele
frequency resulting from a random variation in the
distribution of alleles from one generation to the next.
 Based on random events, or chance

12. THE PERILS OF SMALL POPULATIONS
Populations represent a GENE POOL.
 GENE POOL = consists of all the alleles present in a population at a specific
time and place
 Small population = small gene pool
 Descended from only a few individuals = increases the likelihood of decreased
genetic variability and inbreeding.
 Over evolutionary time, populations with low variability are less likely to adapt
to changing environmental conditions.

13. Normal
Distribution
(Bell Curve)
Great diversity
of genotypes
and phenotypes

14. RECALL

15. Natural selection may affect the phenotypes
of polygenic traits in 3 ways:
1) Directional Selection: range of
phenotypes shifts in 1 direction (i.e. beak size ↑
overall)
2) Disruptive Selection: phenotypes at both
ends of spectrum survive best (i.e. very big and
very small)
3) Stabilizing Selection: “average”
phenotype survives best (i.e. human baby weight)
NATURAL SELECTION ON POLYGENIC
TRAITS