Question

Please answer the following question in your own words.

1. The following relates to Natural Selection and the theory of evolution:

A. How is natural selection related to gene flow, how is it related to genetic drift, and how is it related to mutation.

B. Write a 7 sentence summary discussing how has the theory of evolution contributed to your understanding of humans as a biological species.

  

Answer 1

Natural selection,genetic drift and gene flow are the mechanisms that causes change in allele frequency over time.When one or more of these forces are acting in a population,the population violates the Hardy-weinbergs equilibrium and evolution occurs.The hardy weinberg theorem thus provides a null model for the study of evolution,and the focus of population genetics is to understand the consequences of violating theses assumptions.Natural selection occurs when individuals with certain genotypes are more likely than individuals with other genotypes to survive and reproduce,and thus to pass on their alleles to the next generation.Genetic drift results from the sampling error inherent in the transmission of gametes by individuals in a finite population.

Challenges and specific features of evolutionary medicine arise from its focus on humans,because our distinct life course and the unique characteristics and the status that humans as a species have limit the range of investigation possible.in contrast to most species that evolutionary biologists study,ours is characterised by a long life course that includes aging processes,monotonous pregnancy ,a lomh prereproductive phase,low fecundity,high parental investment in offspring and intergenerational times.