Your cell phone should be away during all times today unless you are viewing the website.

Journal Entry:

In a long‑term study of a population of gray squirrels, researchers observed that most of the squirrels had gray fur. However, there were some individuals in the population with white fur (albino). Genetic analysis revealed that the albino condition is expressed by individuals who are homozygous recessive (gg). Over a ten-year period, the average frequency of albino squirrels in the population was 0.18. If the population is assumed to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what is the average frequency of the dominant allele?

Learning Intentions

• You can identify the conditions for a population or allele to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium including: a large population size, absence of migration, no net mutations, random mating and no natural selection.

• You can apply mathematical approaches to calculate changes in allele frequency, providing evidence for the occurrence of evolution in a population including the proper use of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium equation.

• You can collect data to explore the affect of various conditions on allele frequency.

Content Standards being covered:

Topics:
EVO-1.H  Explain how random occurrences affect the genetic makeup of a population.
EVO-1.I Describe the role of random processes in the evolution of specific populations.
EVO-1.J Describe the change in the genetic makeup of a population over time.
EVO-1.K  Describe the conditions under which allele and genotype frequencies will change in populations.
EVO-1.L Explain the impacts on the population if any of the conditions of Hardy-Weinberg are not met.

Science Practices:
3.B State the null or alternative hypotheses, or predict the results of an experiment.
5.A.a  Perform mathematical calculations, including mathematical equations in the curriculum.
1.C Explain biological concepts, processes, and/or models in applied contexts.

Habits of Mind/Life skills being covered:

Applying past knowledge to current situations