- Evolution and the Genetics of Populations
- Genes, influenced by the environment, determine the traits of each individual.
- The gene pool is the sum of all the genes occurring in a population.
- Evolution is the change of gene frequencies within a population.
- Mutation and the recombination of alleles during sexual reproduction provide sources of variability.
- The equilibrium population is a hypothetical population in which evolution does not occur.
- The Mechanisms of Evolution
- Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variability.
- Migration produces gene flow between populations.
- Small populations are subject to random changes in allele frequencies.
- Mating within a population is almost never random.
- All genotypes are not equally adaptive.
- Natural Selection
- Natural selection acts on the phenotype, which reflects the underlying genotype.
- Natural selection can influence populations in three major ways.
- Natural selection takes several forms.
- Extinction
- Localized distribution and extreme specialization make species vulnerable in changing environments.
- Interactions with other organisms may drive species to extinction.
- Habitat change and destruction are the leading causes of extinction.
- Evolutionary connections: kin selection and the evolution of altruism.
- Genes, influenced by the environment, determine the traits of each individual.
Designed in cooperation with
Andrew Stull and Steven Brunasso.
Last Update - July 25, 1997
