Lecture 21 - Testing for evolution using Hardy Weinberg

Question 1

what is the Hardy-Winberg principle?

Answer 1

>a very simple mathematical model.
>predicts the relationship of alleles and genotypes (frequencies) in a population IF:
- no mutations
- Extremely large population (no drift)
- no selection
- random mating
> i.e., no evolution
> fictitious population
> HW provides a fantastic NULL model against which we can compare REAl populations against in order to infer processes leading to deviations from the HW expectations.