Anthropology 1026F/G Chapter : Appendix C Understanding Humans
22 Jan 2012
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Document Summary
The basic approach in population genetics makes use of a mathematical model called the hardy-weinberg equilibrium equation (postulates a set of conditions in a population where no evolution occurs) In other words none of the forces of evolution are acting and all genes have an equal chance of recombining in each generation (that is there is random mating of individuals) More precisely the hypothetical conditions that such a population would be assumed to meet are as followed: If all these conditions are satisfied allele frequencies will not change from one generation to the next (that is no evolution will take place) and a permanent equilibrium will be maintained as long as these conditions prevail. An evolutionary barometer is thus provided that may be used as a standard against which actual circumstances are compared. Similar to the way a typical barometer is standardized under known temperature and altitude conditions the. Hardy-weinberg equilibrium is standardized under known evolutionary conditions.
