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Ch. 20 - Population Genetics and Evolution at the Population, Species, and Molecular Levels
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 20, Problem 40c

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. Have each person compare the frequencies of each color in they pile with the frequencies in the original bag. Describe any differences in frequency between the pile and the original bag.

Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Begin by emptying the contents of the bag of candies onto a table. Ensure that the candies are spread out randomly to avoid any bias in distribution.
Step 2: Divide the candies into five approximately equal piles (or among the group members if working collaboratively). Avoid selecting candies based on color; focus solely on dividing the total quantity evenly.
Step 3: Count the number of candies of each color in one of the smaller piles. Record these frequencies for each color in the pile.
Step 4: Count the number of candies of each color in the original bag before division. Record these frequencies as the baseline for comparison.
Step 5: Compare the frequencies of each color in the smaller pile to the frequencies in the original bag. Note any differences, such as overrepresentation or underrepresentation of certain colors, and consider how random sampling might lead to these variations.

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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 and natural selection, as it provides the raw material for adaptation. In the context of the candy exercise, the different colors represent genetic traits, and the distribution of these colors can illustrate how variation occurs in a population.
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Genomic Variation

Sampling Error

Sampling error is the difference between the characteristics of a sample and the characteristics of the population from which it is drawn. In the candy division exercise, when dividing the candies into piles, random chance may lead to unequal representation of colors in each pile compared to the original bag. This concept highlights the importance of sample size and randomness in obtaining accurate representations of a population.
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Mathematical Measurements

Frequency Distribution

Frequency distribution is a statistical representation that shows how often each value occurs in a dataset. In the candy exercise, comparing the frequency of each color in the piles to the original bag allows participants to analyze how the distribution of traits can change due to random sampling. Understanding frequency distributions is essential for interpreting genetic data and assessing population diversity.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

New allopolyploid plant species can arise by hybridization between two species. If hybridization occurs between a diploid plant species with 2n = 14 and a second diploid species with 2n = 22, the new allopolyploid would have 36 chromosomes. What pattern of speciation is illustrated by the development of the allopolyploid species?

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Textbook Question

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. Have each person count the number of candies of each color in they pile and calculate the frequency of each color in the pile.

461
views
Textbook Question

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. Tabulate the total number of candies of each color in the original bag by combining the numbers from each person. Use these numbers to determine the frequency of each color in the original bag.

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Textbook Question

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?

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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: Blindly draw one candy from the male pile and one candy from the female pile. Record the colors of the two candies as though they were a genotype. Put the candies back into their respective piles.

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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: Repeat this activity 24 more times, recording the 'genotype' each time.

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