5.5.2 Data Analysis

Question 1

Population Genetics

Answer 1

The study of genetic variation within a population, including changes in the frequency of genes and alleles within a population and among populations over time.

Question 2

Factors Affecting Variation

Answer 2

• The size of the population
• Mutation
• Natural selection
• Genetic drift
• Diversity of the environment
• Migration patterns

Question 3

Conservation Management

Answer 3

The management of population size so that the species does not become extinct.

Question 4

Population Genetics

Answer 4

Measure genetic variation by analysing the different genetic markers of individuals.

• More genetic variations means that organisms adapt to environmental change and improved conservation of the species.

Question 5

Inbreeding

Answer 5

Can make unfavourable recessive alleles more common, creating a higher chance that offspring suffers from genetic diseases.

It often occurs as:

1. The population becomes isolated.
2. Inbreeding becomes more frequently.
3. Unfavourable recessive genes are inherited.
4. Unfavourable genetic traits become more common.

Question 6

Human Evolution

Answer 6

Population genetics enables the discovery of evolutionary pathways/relationships.

• It was discovered that humans share 98.8% of their DNA with chimpanzees and bonobos, making them our closest living relatives.
• The closest extinct relative to humans is the Neanderthal
• Denisovans interbred with homo sapiens during our evolution.