BIOL 415 evolution - University of Nevada_ BIO 415 Discussion Random Genetic Drift Project Computer Simulations of Evolutionary Genetic Mechanisms

BIO 415 Discussion Random Genetic Drift Project Computer Simulations of Evolutionary Genetic Mechanisms Part A Graph for A. (N=16) (1.) Summarize the differences in one sentence. Then explain the differences in terms of heterozygosity, allele fixation and allele loss in one complete and concise paragraph. a. My histogram is similar to Buri’s as it is shaped like the letter U. It indicates that allele A1 is almost equally as likely to drift towards loss or fixation, with a ratio of loss to fixation of 10 to 9. The heterozygosity of the population has declined as shown by the fewer frequencies around the middle of the histogram. Part B (2.) Explain in one sentence how your graph for N=9 does or does not match Buri’s results. Then explain the differences in terms of heterozygosity, allele fixation and allele loss in one complete yet concise paragraph. a. My experimental histogram for N=9 does not match Buri’s results, it instead indicates allele fixation is more likely than allele loss. The heterozygosity has declined in our histogram, which is indicated by the lower frequencies in the middle of the histogram. In Buri’s experiment the ratio of allele loss and allele fixation was close to 1 to 1, where in our graph it is unbalanced and leaning more toward fixation with the ratio being 8 to 19. Also in Buri’s experiment the heterozygosity declined at a rapid pace which led the U shape of his graph. (3.) What does it mean to say that although the actual population size in Buri's experiment was 16 individuals, the effective population size was approximately 9 (consult textbook)? Explain the evidence you have to support Buri’s claim about effective population size in terms of the shape of histogram, heterozygosity, allele fixation and allele loss (one paragraph).