Genetic loads in Mendelian populations

Year Published: 1959

Description: Portrays the frequency of mutants in the population gene pool as dependent upon their rate of origination and selection coefficient. Discusses the population fate of dominant lethals (retinoblastoma), dominant detrimentals (achondroplasia), and recessive lethals (juvenile amaurotic idiocy). Describes in detail the loads of mutations carried in natural populations of Drosophila pseudo obscura and in man. Points out the fact that while most mutants are detrimental in the normal environment of the species, some may be advantageous in a different environment. Lecture given by Dr. Th. Dobzhansky.