AP Biology · Unit 7: Natural Selection
7.4 Population Genetics
In short
This topic requires you to understand that evolution is driven not only by natural selection but also by random occurrences. You must be able to explain how mutations add new genetic variation, and how genetic drift (specifically the bottleneck effect and the founder effect) changes allele frequencies through nonselective processes in small populations.
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What else do you need to know about Population Genetics?
Furthermore, you need to understand that migration results in gene flow, which can prevent two populations from diverging into separate species, whereas genetic drift can allow a small population to diverge. Finally, you must recognize that changes in allele frequencies over time serve as evidence for the occurrence of evolution.
Can you do these?
- I can describe how mutation, genetic drift (including bottleneck and founder effects), and migration drive evolution through random occurrences.
- I can explain how mutations, genetic drift, and gene flow lead to changes in allele frequencies and affect population divergence.
How is Population Genetics tested on the exam?
Questions on this topic may ask you to state a null hypothesis or predict the results of an experiment (Suggested Skill 3.B). When writing free-response answers, you must be precise in their language: a common error is stating that individuals evolve, whereas you must clearly articulate that populations evolve. You should also avoid using buzzwords like 'fitness' without properly explaining the underlying concept. Command words like 'Explain' require you to provide information about how or why a process occurs using evidence or reasoning, while 'Describe' requires providing relevant characteristics of the specified topic.
Free practice questions with full explanations, and instant marking of your free-response answers.
Population Genetics: common questions
What do you need to know about Population Genetics for AP Biology?
This topic requires you to understand that evolution is driven not only by natural selection but also by random occurrences. You must be able to explain how mutations add new genetic variation, and how genetic drift (specifically the bottleneck effect and the founder effect) changes allele frequencies through nonselective processes in small populations.
How is Population Genetics tested on the AP Biology exam?
Questions on this topic may ask you to state a null hypothesis or predict the results of an experiment (Suggested Skill 3.B). When writing free-response answers, you must be precise in their language: a common error is stating that individuals evolve, whereas you must clearly articulate that populations evolve.
How do I know I have mastered Population Genetics?
Check you can do each of these: describe how mutation, genetic drift (including bottleneck and founder effects), and migration drive evolution through random occurrences; explain how mutations, genetic drift, and gene flow lead to changes in allele frequencies and affect population divergence.
Where does Population Genetics fit in AP Biology?
Population Genetics is topic 7.4 in Unit 7: Natural Selection of AP Biology.
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