Assignment 7

The experiments that you have conducted so far were designed to help you learn about the many parameters that influence population genetics. Typically, each of the experiments you set up analyzed the effects of a single parameter; however, it is important to realize that in nature, population genetics for any population is typically affected by changes in multiple parameters at the same time. The following experiments are designed to help you study the effects of different combinations of factors. Work together in a group of four students or on your own to complete these exercises. Working within PopulationGeneticsLab and referring to the detailed instructions on Assignment 7, answer the questions below.


1 .		Design and carry out a set of experiments with a different combination of parameters—for example, different rates of migration with different modes of selection, different modes of selection with different types of mating, and so on. Consider changing parameters to create situations that act in opposite directions (e.g., balanced selection with assortative mating). Before you run each experiment, formulate a hypothesis to predict the effects of your experimental conditions. Describe your chosen experiment and your hypothesis below.

2 .		Did the results of your experiment support your hypothesis? If not, reformulate a new hypothesis and carry out additional experiments.

3 .		Explain how the experimental conditions you set up were responsible for your results. Once you think you have an explanation for your findings, design and carry out additional experiments to support or refute your thesis.

4 .		Discuss the results of your experiment with your instructor to clarify questions that you may have about interpreting the results of your experiment and understanding the effects of the experimental conditions you created.