1. Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to understand the Hardy-Weinberg principle. We tested the Hardy-Weinberg principle by pairing random beads. The results in our investigation showed that the Hardy-Weinberg principle is correct and evolution would occur.
2. Introduction
Evolution is a change in frequency of alleles in the genotype of a population. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that evolution will not occur if seven conditions are met: mutation is not occurring, natural selection is not occurring, mating is random, everyone produces the same number of offspring, no migration and the population infinitely large. The Hardy-Weinberg equation is p*p + 2pq +q*q. (Welcome to Evolution 101!)
The purpose of this investigation was to test the Hardy Weinberg principle. We paired random beads together with a variable to find out whether or not it met all of the seven principles. Pairing the beads together helps us understand what evolution is and how it happens. If a variable like natural selection affects a population, then the species will evolve.
3. Procedures/Methods
We placed 50 red(recessive) and 50(dominate) white beads in a bowl. Randomly pulling out 2 at a time and joining them. After finishing the bead pairs were counted and recorded. The homozygous recessive pairs were removed and the process was repeated 9 more times.
4. Data/Results
Table 1
4
As seen in table 1, the homozygous recessive genes are removed from the gene pool. Because of this, the amount of genes pairs that include a recessive gene decrease, while the homozygous dominant gene pairs become more common. This is an example of a population adapting to survive against a gene that is harmful for their survival.
5. Discussion
This lab allowed us to see how a species can adapt to a gene that causes problems for survival. Obviously because the genes in this experiment caused death, it was faster to die out than ones that merely cause a higher chance, but the effect is eventually the same. One thing we realized during this lab, is that it is almost impossible to predict when this gene will die out, because of random mating, which causes the number of recessive genes to disappear at a non-constant rate.
6. Conclusion
The purpose of this lab was to see the the Hardy-Weinberg principle in effect on rabbit fur allele. After concluding the lab the principal was met and the alleles followed the pattern. Though we cannot see the amount of recessive genes in a population we can calculate it with their equation.
Works Cited:
"Welcome to Evolution 101!" Welcome to Evolution 101! Web. 14 Dec. 2015.
