Population gentics and the Hardy Weinberg Theorm essays

Population gentics and the Hardy Weinberg Theorm essays Population Genetics and the Hardy-Weinberg Theorem When thinking of population genetics there are two key names that mark important moments in the history of science. Darwinian selection, which includes Darwins four postulations one: stating that individuals within a species will vary, two: stating some variations are passed on to off spring, three: stating more offspring are produced that can survive, and four: stating individuals with the most favorable adaptations are more likely to survive and reproduce (Jones, 200.) Also the idea of Mendelian inheritance, which included the Law of Dominance, the Law of Segregation, and the Law of Independent Assortment. Together these two different theories are the key ideas involved in the birth of population genetics, and in modern times thought of as going hand in hand. However, Mendel and his ideas were very much ignored during the height of Darwins theories. When Mendel was rediscovered later in the early 20th century, scientists began using terms such as population, gene pool, and allel e frequency as a common language linking these two theories together (Vogel, 2002.) The Hardy-Weinberg theorem named after the two scientists that structured the principle of the non-evolving population in 1908 puts the lingering questions about evolution to rest. Hardy-Weinberg Theorem assumes that for a population to be in equilibrium it must satisfy five conditions to exist (Campbell-Reece, 2003.) They are, no genetic drift, which are changes in gene frequency from generation in a small population as a result of random processes. No gene flow, which is the exchange of genes between different populations of the same species caused by migration following breeding. No selection, this results from the differential reproduction of one phenotype, it also determines the relative share of different genotypes that individuals possess and propagate in a population. No random mating or mutation, wh...