Chapter 20, Problem 4Q

Summary Introduction

To review:

The ways in which the given population may deviate from the assumptions of the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.

Introduction:

Anoles is the largest and diverse group of lizards found in America. It is the most common topic for the ecology and evolution studies. The two species A. carolinensis (anole) and the A. sagrei compete with each other and are aggressive. The species of anoles have a strong association of height and structure of toe pads, which the lizards use to climb.

The researchers found that the habitat of the lizards affected the evolution in the lizards. When the A. sagrei was introduced on the islands the changes were seen. The islands which did not support the A. sagrei and only had A. carolinensis did not see any changes. The researchers then collected samples of each type and also raised an offspring of lizard in the controlled environment and they researched about the differences in the genetic basis.

Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium law states that, in absence of the evolutionary influences, the frequencies of the allele and genotypes in a population will remain same, as the genes will pass from generation to generation. The evolutionary influences can include a choice of partner for mating, genetic drift, gene flow, mutation, and selection.