Using a Spreadsheet Simulation to Test Hypotheses about Genetic Drift and Selection?

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2015, Volume 36

Robert J. Kosinski

Abstract

This exercise uses physical simulations, numerical simulations, and integrated statistical tests to allow students to explore a wide variety of population genetics topics. After a coin-flipping simulation, students use an elaborate Excel spreadsheet that allows both large-population (deterministic) and small-population (stochastic) simulations of allele frequencies. An unusual feature is that the spreadsheet has three kinds of built-in chi-square tests. The class is divided into groups, and all members of the same group perform replicate simulations. This allows both individual and group tests of hypotheses. Effects that may not be significant individually may be significant when group results are considered.

Keywords:  population genetics

University of Oregon (2014)