Population Genetics and Spreadsheet Modeling

Mr. Andersen introduces population modeling, starting with the concept of populations and individuals using oak trees as an example. He explains life cycles and gene pools, emphasizing the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and its conditions. The video demonstrates using spreadsheets for population modeling, focusing on genetic drift experiments with small populations. The conclusion encourages further exploration of model complexity.

What is the initial stage of an oak tree's life cycle?

• Sapling

• Acorn

• Pollen

• Seedling

Which term describes a group of organisms living in the same place at the same time?

• Population

• Habitat

• Ecosystem

• Community

Which of the following is NOT a condition of the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium?

• No gene flow

• Random mating

• Large population size

• High mutation rate

What is the purpose of using spreadsheets in population modeling?

• To conduct field research

• To write essays

• To simulate population dynamics

• To create visual art

In a spreadsheet model, what does a cell represent?

• A life cycle stage

• A population

• A box in the spreadsheet

• A gene

What is the main cause of genetic drift in the spreadsheet simulation?

• High mutation rate

• Large population size

• Small population size

• Random mating

What happens to allele frequencies due to genetic drift?

• They change randomly

• They remain constant

• They decrease uniformly

• They increase uniformly

What is the initial allele frequency set in the spreadsheet model?

• 0.60 and 0.40

• 0.50 and 0.50

• 0.70 and 0.30

• 0.25 and 0.75

What is the term for random changes in allele frequencies due to small population size?

• Gene flow

• Natural selection

• Mutation

• Genetic drift

How can the spreadsheet model be made more complex?

• By including selection and random mating

• By adding more colors

• By using a different software

• By reducing the number of cells