Population Genetics

Population genetics is the study of genetic variation within and among populations, serving as a crucial link between Mendelian genetics and evolutionary theory. It examines the distribution and changes in allele and genotype frequencies over time, driven by the four main evolutionary forces: natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow. By applying mathematical models and statistical methods to a population's gene pool, this field provides a quantitative framework for understanding how genetic compositions change, leading to adaptation and the formation of new species.

1. Introduction to Population Genetics
   1. Defining a Population
      1. Biological Definition
      2. Demographic Parameters
         1. Population Size
         2. Age Structure
         3. Sex Ratio
      3. Spatial Boundaries
      4. Temporal Boundaries
      5. Breeding Units
   2. The Gene Pool Concept
      1. Definition of Gene Pool
      2. Allele Composition
      3. Genotype Composition
      4. Relationship to Population Size
      5. Importance in Evolutionary Processes
   3. Historical Development
      1. Pre-Mendelian Theories of Heredity
      2. Rediscovery of Mendel's Laws
      3. The Modern Synthesis
         1. Integration of Mendelian Genetics and Darwinian Evolution
         2. Mathematical Foundations
         3. Impact on Evolutionary Theory
      4. Key Pioneers
         1. Ronald Fisher
         2. J.B.S. Haldane
         3. Sewall Wright
         4. Theodosius Dobzhansky
         5. Motoo Kimura
   4. Relationship to Other Fields
      1. Classical Genetics
         1. Mendelian Inheritance
         2. Extensions to Mendel's Laws
      2. Evolutionary Biology
         1. Microevolution
         2. Macroevolution
         3. Speciation
      3. Molecular Biology
         1. DNA Structure and Function
         2. Protein Evolution
      4. Conservation Biology
         1. Genetic Diversity Assessment
         2. Management of Endangered Species
      5. Human Genetics
         1. Medical Genetics
         2. Anthropological Applications
      6. Agricultural Sciences
         1. Plant and Animal Breeding
         2. Crop Improvement