In this lesson, students explore a model of genetic drift in populations of varying sizes. The lesson uses the model to help students to understand the ramifications of population size and isolation on alleles in populations.
Learning Objectives:
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Describe how genetic drift influences the diversity (polymorphism) of alleles in a population
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Investigate the consequences of very small or very large populations for allele diversity.
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Compare the effects of genetic drift in isolated populations
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Apply these ideas to real-world populations of animals (including dog breeds and certain human ethnic groups)
Lesson Material:​
Tempe, Arizona
Zachary J. Shaffer, PhD
Bio
I'm a faculty member at Arizona State University's School of Life Sciences, an Assistant Teaching Professor, (focusing on teaching large introductory biology courses for undergraduates). Another important teaching obligation is serving as co-director of the School of Life Sciences early start program, 'BIOBridge'. In addition, I am a researcher - a sociobiologist focusing on behavior and evolution in the insect societies.
Zack Shaffer's curriculum vitae:
Education
B.A. Biology, University of Kansas
MEd, Curriculum and Instruction, Arizona State University
PhD, Biology (with a focus on ants, complex systems, and animal behavior), Arizona State University
Employment
Assistant Teaching Professor
School of Life Sciences
Arizona State University