Divide the contents of a large bag of different-colored candies randomly and approximately equally among the members of the group. Do not pick specific candy colors, but simply empty the contents of the bag onto a table and quickly divide the pile. If you are doing this exercise by yourself, divide the contents of the bag into five piles. Identify what phenomenon explains the observed differences. What evolutionary mechanism do the observations emulate?
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
21. Population Genetics
Allelic Frequency Changes
Problem 41d
Textbook Question
Put all the candies used in Problem 40 into a single mound and then divide them into four equal piles, this time being sure that the frequency of each color is the same in each pile. Label two of these piles 'male' and the other two 'female.' Half of the group will take one male and one female pile, and the other half of the group will take the other two piles. Each half of the group will carry out its own experiments: Explain any observed differences in frequencies in terms of the evolutionary mechanism the results best emulate.

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Step 1: Combine all the candies from Problem 40 into a single mound. Ensure that the total number of candies and their respective colors are accounted for accurately.
Step 2: Divide the mound into four equal piles, ensuring that the frequency of each color is the same in each pile. This requires careful distribution to maintain proportional representation of each color across all piles.
Step 3: Label two of the piles as 'male' and the other two as 'female.' This labeling represents the division of genetic material into gametes, akin to the separation of alleles during meiosis.
Step 4: Split the group into two halves. Assign one male and one female pile to each half of the group. This simulates the pairing of gametes during fertilization, where genetic material from both parents combines.
Step 5: Conduct experiments with each half of the group using their respective piles. Observe any differences in frequencies of candy colors between the two groups. Analyze these differences in terms of evolutionary mechanisms, such as genetic drift, natural selection, or gene flow, which could explain the observed variations in allele frequencies.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Genetic Variation
Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA sequences among individuals within a population. This variation is crucial for evolution, as it provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon. In the context of the experiment, the different frequencies of candy colors can represent different alleles, influencing the traits that may be favored or selected in future generations.
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Natural Selection
Natural selection is a fundamental evolutionary mechanism where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. In the experiment, if certain candy colors (traits) are more appealing or beneficial in a given environment, those colors may become more prevalent in subsequent generations, leading to observable differences in frequencies between the male and female piles.
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Sexual Selection
Sexual selection is a form of natural selection where individuals with certain traits are more likely to attract mates and reproduce. In the context of the experiment, the division of candies into male and female piles can simulate sexual selection, where preferences for specific colors may lead to differences in the frequency of those colors in the offspring, reflecting how mate choice can influence genetic diversity.
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