Genetic Variation and Natural Selection: Introduction

Introduction

This section captures some of the ideas from the previous sections and relates them in a whole new way; ways that even Mendel didn't encounter. But we will build upon Mendel's ideas to unlock the mystery of why some people who have red hair also have freckles and fair skin. We will also lay to rest why a colorblind mother always produces a colorblind son, but not necessarily a colorblind daughter.

Natural selection has a way of affecting the genetics of a population. Darwin understood it, and so will you. Again, simple concepts are put together to make bigger ones so that uneducated people will feel dumb. Thankfully, you will be on the enlightened side of the equation after reading this section.

Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Biology © 2004 by Glen E. Moulton, Ed.D.. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

To order this book direct from the publisher, visit the Penguin USA website or call 1-800-253-6476. You can also purchase this book at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.