Integrated View Of Population Genetics

Population genetics is the basis of evolutionary studies, and has been widely used in several researches. This recent field of science has important applications for the management of populations (natural and domesticated), as well as for evolutionary studies of the various factors that affect gene frequencies over time and spatial distribution.In this work, presented in three sections (Population and Quantitative Genetics, Genetic Diversity in Crop Management, Population Genetics for Conservation Studies), the reader will find cutting-edge information in carefully selected and revised works.This book is intended for all researchers, academics, and students who are interested in the intriguing area of population genetics.

Darwinian evolution in mendelian populations. Random genetic drift. Mutation and the neutral theory. Natural selection. Inbreeding and other forms of nonrandom mating. Population subdivision and migration. Molecular population genetics. Evolutionary genetics of quantitative characters. Ecological genetics and speciation.

The Fourth Edition of Genetics of Populations is the most current, comprehensive, and accessible introduction to the field for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and researchers in genetics, evolution, conservation, and related fields. In the past several years, interest in the application of population genetics principles to new molecular data has increased greatly, and Dr. Hedrick's new edition exemplifies his commitment to keeping pace with this dynamic area of study. Reorganized to allow students to focus more sharply on key material, the Fourth Edition integrates coverage of theoretical issues with a clear presentation of experimental population genetics and empirical data. Drawing examples from both recent and classic studies, and using a variety of organisms to illustrate the vast developments of population genetics, this text provides students and researchers with the most comprehensive resource in the field.

Illustrates the power and utility of the synergy between population genetics and conservation biology in animal conservation.

This book aims to make population genetics approachable, logical and easily understood. To achieve these goals, the book’s design emphasizes well explained introductions to key principles and predictions. These are augmented with case studies as well as illustrations along with introductions to classical hypotheses and debates. Pedagogical features in the text include: Interact boxes that guide readers step-by-step through computer simulations using public domain software. Math boxes that fully explain mathematical derivations. Methods boxes that give insight into the use of actual genetic data. Numerous Problem boxes are integrated into the text to reinforce concepts as they are encountered. Dedicated website at www.wiley.com/go/hamiltongenetics This text also offers a highly accessible introduction to coalescent theory, the major conceptual advance in population genetics of the last two decades.

"In a species with a million individuals," writes John H. Gillespie, "it takes roughly a million generations for genetic drift to change allele frequencies appreciably. There is no conceivable way of verifying that genetic drift changes allele frequencies in most natural populations. Our understanding that it does is entirely theoretical. Most population geneticists are not only comfortable with this state of affairs, but revel in the fact that they can demonstrate on the back of an envelope, rather than in the laboratory, how an important evolutionary force operates." Longer than the back of an envelope but more concise than many books on the subject, this brief introduction to the field of population genetics offers students and researchers an overview of a discipline that is of growing importance. Chapter topics include genetic drift; natural selection; non-random mating, quantitative genetics; and the evolutionary advantage of sex. While each chapter treats a specific topic or problem in genetics, the common thread throughout the book is what Gillespie calls "the main obsession of our field," the recurring question, "Why is there so much genetic variation in natural populations?" "Population genetics remains the central intellectual connection between genetics and evolution. As genetics becomes integral to all aspects of biology, the unifying nature of evolutionary studies rests more and more on population genetics. This book lays out much of the foundation of population genetics augmented with interesting particulars and conceptual insight. Population genetics involves ideas that are quantitative and often difficult for biology undergraduates, but Professor Gillespie offershis characteristically clear thinking and articulate explanations." -- Charles Langley, University of California-Davis