3.7.2: Populations

• The key assumptions of the Hardy-Weinberg equation/principle are:

  • the proportion of alleles of any particular gene in a population remains the same from one generation to another
  • No mutations arise
  • Population is isolated -> no gene flow / flow of alleles into or out of pop.
  • No selection
  • Population is large
  • Mating within population is random
• Define: Population

  • A group of individual organisms of the same species occupying a particular space at a particular time that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring