Effective Population Size

The effective population size (Ne) is a concept in population genetics that measures the genetic diversity and potential for evolution within a population. It represents the number of individuals in a population that contribute genes to the next generation.

Calculating Effective Population Size

The effective population size is influenced by several factors, including the total population size and the sex ratio within the population. In this case, the total population size is 240, with 200 females and 40 males.

To calculate the effective population size, we need to consider the sex ratio and the probability of reproduction for each sex. In most cases, the effective population size is lower than the total population size due to variations in reproductive success.

Calculating the Effective Population Size in this Case

In this case, we can calculate the effective population size using the formula:

Ne = (4 * Nf * Nm) / (Nf + Nm)

Where:
- Ne = Effective population size
- Nf = Number of females
- Nm = Number of males

Plugging in the values from the given information, we get:

Ne = (4 * 200 * 40) / (200 + 40)
= (4 * 8000) / 240
= 32000 / 240
= 133.33

Interpreting the Result

The effective population size in this case is approximately 133.33, which falls within the range of 133.30 and 133.35. This means that the genetic diversity and potential for evolution within the population is equivalent to that of a population of approximately 133 individuals.

Importance of Effective Population Size

The effective population size is an important concept in conservation biology and population genetics. It helps determine the genetic health and viability of a population. A smaller effective population size indicates reduced genetic diversity and an increased risk of inbreeding, which can lead to harmful genetic mutations and reduced adaptability to changing environments.

By calculating the effective population size, scientists and conservationists can assess the genetic health of a population and develop strategies to ensure its long-term survival and evolutionary potential.