Population genetics thrives on the constant interaction between theoretical and empirical knowledge. In the first instance, population genetics was developed using one-locus, two-allele models for genetic variation. The simplicity of these models opened up theoretical developments in population and evolutionary genetics to biologists without specialist training in mathematics. Population genetics of multi-allelic loci is more complex and requires more mathematical insight, and its study is predominantly undertaken by mathematical biologists. Traditional formulations of multi-locus theory do not simplify by assuming two alleles per locus. In this elegant presentation the author provides a formulation of multi-locus population genetics that retains the simplicity of two-allele models.
Population Genetics of Multiple Loci is divided into two main sections. Part I – Recombination and Segregation – includes coverage of random mating, inbreeding, migration and mixing. Part II – Selection – covers numerous phenomena involving natural selection including viability, fertility, mutation and migration. The author has successfully presented the theory in a way that is intelligible to anyone with a reasonably good background in basic mathematics and is devoted to learning multiple loci population genetics. The text is primarily aimed at advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students and researchers interested in genetics and population biology. It is also essential reading for those working or researching in biomathematics and adaptive computing.
Interactions among Genes
RECOMBINATION AND SEGREGATION
Random Mating: Sexes Equal
Random Mating: Sex Difference
Inbreeding: Partial Selfing
Migration and Mixing
Phenotypic Variation
SELECTION
Viability Selection
Symmetric Viability Selection
Fertility Selection
Mutation and Selection
Migration and Selection
Evolution of Recombination
Glossary
References
Index
"This is a very beautiful and powerful study of an area that Christiansen has dominated for many years."
– Marcus Feldman, Stanford University, USA