Put all the candies used in Problems 41 back into a single mound and then divide them into two piles, being sure that the frequencies of each color are the same in each pile. Make a note of the starting frequency of each color. Label one pile 'male' and the other pile 'female.' Have one person blindly draw one candy from the male pile and one candy from the female pile. Record the colors as though they were genotypes.

Key Concepts

Genotype and Phenotype

Genotype refers to the genetic constitution of an organism, specifically the alleles present for a particular gene. Phenotype, on the other hand, is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, which result from the interaction of the genotype with the environment. In the context of the candy problem, the colors of the candies represent different genotypes, which can be used to simulate genetic variation.

Allele Frequencies

Allele frequency is the proportion of a specific allele among all allele copies in a population. In this exercise, maintaining the same frequencies of each candy color in both piles ensures that the genetic representation remains consistent. This concept is crucial for understanding how traits are inherited and how genetic diversity is maintained within a population.

Random Sampling

Random sampling is a technique used to select individuals from a population in such a way that each individual has an equal chance of being chosen. In the candy drawing scenario, the act of blindly drawing one candy from each pile simulates random mating, which is essential for studying genetic variation and inheritance patterns. This method helps to eliminate bias and allows for a more accurate representation of genetic outcomes.