1.) The Hardy-Weinberg principle provides a baseline for identifying how populations evolve by describing the expected genetic equilibrium in an ideal, non-evolving population. By comparing the observed allele frequencies in a real population to the expected frequencies based on the Hardy-Weinberg principle, we can determine if changes in the frequencies are taking place or not.
The principle states that in a large population with no mutation, migration, selection, and random mating, the frequencies of alleles and genotypes will remain constant from generation to generation. In such a population, the frequency of each allele (p for the dominant allele and q for the recessive allele) remains constant, and the genotype frequencies can be calculated as p^2 for the homozygous dominant, 2pq for the heterozygous, and q^2 for the homozygous recessive genotypes.
Deviations from the expected genotype frequencies based on the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium would indicate that one or more factors, such as mutation, migration, natural selection, or genetic drift, are causing changes in the population's allele frequencies, and thus, that the population is evolving.
2.) One physiological reason why the black variant of grey squirrels is concentrated in northern city parks could be related to thermoregulation. Black-coated squirrels have a higher melanin content in their fur, which provides better heat absorption capabilities. In colder northern climates, these black squirrels may have an increased ability to absorb and retain heat compared to their lighter-colored relatives. This advantage in thermoregulation could make the black squirrels more successful in surviving and reproducing in colder urban environments, leading to a higher prevalence of the black variant in northern city parks.
Hi there, could you please help me with the following questions:
1.) How does the Hardy-Weinberg provide a baseline for identifying how populations evolve, as a function of changes in their allele frequencies?
2.) Grey squirrels are predominate since they are camouflaged better than their black-coated relatives. Describe one physiological reason why concentrated populations of the black variant are commonly found in some northern city parks.
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