In a flock of sheep, 9% of the population has black wool and 91% has w...
q2 = 0.09, then q = 0.3
p = 1-q = 0.7
heterozygous population = 2pq = 2*0.7*0.3 = 42%
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In a flock of sheep, 9% of the population has black wool and 91% has w...
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1. Understanding the problem
In this problem, we are given a flock of sheep where 9% of the population has black wool (recessive trait) and 91% has white wool (dominant trait). We are asked to determine the percentage of the population that is heterozygous for this trait, assuming the population is in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium.
2. Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
The Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium is a principle in population genetics that states the frequencies of alleles and genotypes in a population will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of other forces. It assumes a large population size, random mating, no mutation, no migration, and no natural selection.
3. Allele frequencies
Let's assume that the frequency of the black wool allele (b) is represented by p and the frequency of the white wool allele (B) is represented by q. Since black wool is recessive, individuals with the genotype bb will have black wool, while individuals with the genotype BB or Bb will have white wool.
4. Allele frequency calculation
Since we know that 9% of the population has black wool, we can assume that the frequency of the bb genotype is 0.09. In the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, the frequency of the bb genotype can be calculated as the square of the frequency of the b allele (p^2). Therefore, we can solve for p:
p^2 = 0.09
p = √(0.09)
p = 0.3
Since p represents the frequency of the black wool allele (b), q (the frequency of the white wool allele) can be calculated as:
q = 1 - p
q = 1 - 0.3
q = 0.7
5. Heterozygous genotype frequency
To calculate the frequency of the heterozygous genotype (Bb), we can use the Hardy-Weinberg equation: 2pq. Therefore, the percentage of the population that is heterozygous for this trait is:
2 * 0.3 * 0.7 = 0.42
Converting this to a percentage, we get 42%.
Therefore, the correct answer is 42%.