Overview
Population genetics is a vital field that examines the genetic composition of populations and how it changes over time. By studying gene pools and allele frequencies, scientists can understand the mechanisms of evolution, such as natural selection and genetic drift. This knowledge is crucial for app...
Key Terms
Example: The gene pool of a species includes all the alleles present in its members.
Example: If a population has 100 individuals and 40 have allele A, the frequency of A is 0.4.
Example: A natural disaster can drastically reduce a population, altering allele frequencies.
Example: Peppered moths became darker during the Industrial Revolution due to pollution.
Example: In a large, randomly mating population, allele frequencies will not change.
Example: A mutation in a gene can result in a new trait, like resistance to a disease.