Lab 08 - 'Classic' population genetics

Screenshot of PopCycle, by John Herron
(click on pic for full size image)
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Today we did the "classic" population genetics lab. "Classic" as opposed to the increasingly strong trend of studying population genetics based on the coalescent theory.

We introduced concepts that are key to the study of population genetics such as allele frequency, genotype frequency, gene pool, and Hardy-Weinberg principle (and equilibrium) and its assumptions. When discussing the Hardy-Weinberg principle we discussed the forces that can alter allele frequency in a population: genetic drift, selection (including sexual selection), mutation, and migration.

We then then proceeded to further study Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium by running simulations on PopCycle, a software package created by Jon Herron, from the University of Washington. PopCycle allowed us to see the conditions under which allele and genotype frequencies remain constant, and it also allow us to relax some of the assumptions. We introduced the effect of genetic drift and natural selection. Students were able to observe their effect on allele frequency

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