1. What is the Equilibrium Frequency Equation?

The Equilibrium Frequency equation calculates the expected frequency of a neutral allele in a population under genetic drift. It represents the balance between mutation and drift in population genetics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Equilibrium Frequency equation:

Where:

• \( F \) — Equilibrium frequency (dimensionless)
• \( N \) — Effective population size (dimensionless)

Explanation: The equation shows that the equilibrium frequency of a neutral allele is inversely proportional to twice the population size.

3. Importance of Equilibrium Frequency

Details: Understanding equilibrium frequency is crucial in population genetics for predicting allele frequencies under neutral theory and studying genetic drift effects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the effective population size (N). The value must be positive. The result will be the equilibrium frequency (F).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does the equilibrium frequency represent?
A: It represents the balance point where the rate of new mutations entering the population equals the rate at which alleles are lost by genetic drift.

Q2: How does population size affect equilibrium frequency?
A: Smaller populations have higher equilibrium frequencies because drift is stronger, while larger populations have lower equilibrium frequencies.

Q3: What assumptions does this equation make?
A: It assumes neutral evolution, random mating, constant population size, and no selection or migration.

Q4: When is this equation most applicable?
A: For studying neutral alleles in populations where mutation and drift are the main evolutionary forces.

Q5: How does this relate to genetic diversity?
A: The equilibrium frequency helps predict the expected level of genetic diversity maintained in a population by mutation-drift balance.