Lecture 4: Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Question 1

Explain the examples of Female Choice:

1. Peacocks
2. Artificial cues (zebra finches)
3. Nuptial gifts

Answer 1

1. In peacocks, males have elaborate coloring. Flashier males are more likely to be chosen by females.
2. Zebra finch females prefer red leg rings over males with green leg rings
3. If the male gives better gifts, he is more likely to mate successfully

Question 2

What are the 5 conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Answer 2

1. Random mating
2. No natural selection
3. No genetic drift
4. No gene flow
5. No mutations

Question 3

What is allele frequency?

Answer 3

Frequency of an allele (gene variant) in a population

Question 4

What is the Hardy-Weinberg formula?

Answer 4

p² + 2pq + q² = 1
p + q = 1

Question 5

Why did Hardy and Weinberg come up with the concept of a gene pool?

Answer 5

A gene pool is the idea that individuals release gametes into a vast pool. The gametes are said to reflect the allele frequencies of the parents. The gene pool is a helpful idea that helps us see what happens in the next generation after random mating.