A sampling theory of selectively neutral alleles in a subdivided population. 1988

E R Tillier, and G B Golding
Department of Biology, York University, Ontario, Canada.

Ewens' sampling distribution is investigated for a structured population. Samples are assumed to be taken from a single subpopulation that exchanges migrants with other subpopulations. A complete description of the probability distribution for such samples is not a practical possibility but an equilibrium approximation can be found. This approximation extracts the information necessary for constructing a continuous approximation to the complete distribution using known values of the distribution and its derivatives in randomly mating populations. It is shown that this approximation is as complete a description of a single biologically realistic subpopulation as is possible given standard uncertainties about the actual size of the migration rates, relative sizes of each of the subpopulations and other factors that might affect the genetic structure of a subpopulation. Any further information must be gained at the expense of generality. This approximation is used to investigate the effect of population subdivision on Watterson's test of neutrality. It is known that the infinite allele, sample distribution is independent of mutation rate when made conditional on the number of alleles in the sample. It is shown that the conditional, infinite allele, sample distribution from this approximation is also independent of population structure and hence Watterson's test is still approximately valid for subdivided populations.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008957 Models, Genetic Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of genetic processes or phenomena. They include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Genetic Models,Genetic Model,Model, Genetic
D011336 Probability The study of chance processes or the relative frequency characterizing a chance process. Probabilities
D005828 Genetics, Population The discipline studying genetic composition of populations and effects of factors such as GENETIC SELECTION, population size, MUTATION, migration, and GENETIC DRIFT on the frequencies of various GENOTYPES and PHENOTYPES using a variety of GENETIC TECHNIQUES. Population Genetics
D000483 Alleles Variant forms of the same gene, occupying the same locus on homologous CHROMOSOMES, and governing the variants in production of the same gene product. Allelomorphs,Allele,Allelomorph
D012494 Sampling Studies Studies in which a number of subjects are selected from all subjects in a defined population. Conclusions based on sample results may be attributed only to the population sampled. Probability Sample,Probability Samples,Sample, Probability,Samples, Probability,Sampling Study,Studies, Sampling,Study, Sampling

Related Publications

E R Tillier, and G B Golding
March 1972, Theoretical population biology,
E R Tillier, and G B Golding
June 1994, Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences,
E R Tillier, and G B Golding
August 1996, Theoretical population biology,
E R Tillier, and G B Golding
January 1987, Journal of mathematical biology,
E R Tillier, and G B Golding
November 1970, Theoretical population biology,
E R Tillier, and G B Golding
June 1980, Genetics,
Copied contents to your clipboard!