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
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
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.
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
Editor's Notes
the smaller the population, greater effect a change will have