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Non-random mating refers to the phenomenon where individuals in a population do not pair up by chance, but rather select mates based on certain traits, leading to changes in genotype frequencies over time. This can result in increased genetic similarity within a population, potentially influencing evolutionary processes like natural selection and genetic drift.
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Assortative mating is a non-random mating pattern where individuals with similar phenotypic or genotypic traits are more likely to pair up than by chance. This phenomenon can influence genetic variation within a population and impact social structures by reinforcing social stratification and contributing to genetic similarities within social groups.
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Sexual selection is a mode of natural selection where certain traits increase an individual's chances of mating and reproducing, often leading to the evolution of pronounced differences between sexes. It operates through mechanisms like mate choice and competition, significantly impacting the evolution of species by favoring traits that enhance reproductive success rather than survival.
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Inbreeding refers to the mating of individuals who are closely related genetically, which can increase the probability of offspring inheriting deleterious recessive traits. While it can lead to a higher expression of desirable traits in certain contexts, it often results in reduced genetic diversity and increased susceptibility to genetic disorders.
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Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that results in random changes in allele frequencies within a population, often having a more pronounced effect in small populations. It can lead to the fixation or loss of alleles over time, independent of selective pressures, thus contributing to genetic diversity or homogeneity.
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Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This process leads to the gradual adaptation of species to their environments over successive generations, driving the diversity of life on Earth.
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Population genetics is the study of genetic variation within populations and involves the examination of changes in gene frequencies under the influence of evolutionary processes such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow. It provides a genetic basis for understanding evolutionary biology and helps explain patterns of diversity and adaptation in natural populations.
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Gene flow is the transfer of genetic material between separate populations, which can introduce new genetic variants and increase genetic diversity within a population. It plays a crucial role in evolution by reducing genetic differences between populations and potentially aiding in the adaptation to new environments.
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Phenotypic traits are observable characteristics of an organism, resulting from the interaction of its genetic makeup and environmental influences. These traits can include physical attributes, such as height or eye color, as well as behavioral tendencies and physiological responses.
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Phenotypic assortment refers to the non-random mating pattern where individuals with similar phenotypic traits are more likely to mate with each other. This can influence the genetic structure of populations, leading to increased genetic relatedness among offspring and potentially affecting evolutionary processes such as natural selection and genetic drift.
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