Question

1-If populations are hardly ever in HW equilibrium, why do we calculate it?

2-Why does p + q = 1?

3-Describe two ways that cell-like structures could have been created by polymers being enclosed in a boundary. Which of the hypotheses seems most plausible to you and why?

4-How is the neutral theory of evolution different than the theory of evolution by natural selection? What is your opinion about the relative importance of neutral and natural selection in shaping the genomes of species?

Answer 1

1.

• HW equillibrium is used to calculate genotype and allelic frequencies.
• This is in turn helps to predict the null hypothesis.
• This shows that the population is not evolving as no mutation , no migration , no immigration is occuring.
• If there is mutation , immigration and migration then the population is evolving.

2.

• In a population with 2 alleles p and q , when there is no external factors like mutation , no migration occuring , only the two alleles will exist in the population throughout.
• If there are 100 individuals, 70 are dominant (p ) and 30 are recessive (q) , then 70+30 = 100 , so to find allelic frequency p = 70/100 = 0.7 , q =30/100 =0.3 and 100/100 =1
• Thus, p+q =1