Fundamentals of Population Genetics

Population genetics forms the foundation of modern evolutionary biology, linking the principles of heredity, natural selection and molecular variation into a unified scientific framework. As genomics, computational biology and molecular biotechnology advance at an unprecedented pace, understanding how genetic variation arises, persists and evolves within populations has become essential across disciplines—including agriculture, conservation, medicine and human evolutionary studies. This book has been written to bridge classical theory with contemporary scientific insights, offering a clear, comprehensive and structured guide for learners and researchers.

The book is organized into four interconnected parts. Part I introduces the fundamental principles, from the concept of the gene pool to the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium, providing readers with a strong conceptual grounding. Part II examines the key forces shaping genetic variation mutation, genetic drift, natural selection and gene flow—supported by real world examples and evolutionary models. Part III incorporates advanced topics such as linkage disequilibrium, recombination, neutral theory, molecular clocks and quantitative genetics, reflecting the growing influence of molecular data in evolutionary biology. Finally, Part IV highlights the practical applications of population genetics in medicine, conservation biology and human evolutionary studies, demonstrating its importance in addressing global challenges such as genetic disorders, biodiversity decline and ethical issues surrounding genomic data.

This book aims to support students, teachers and researchers by presenting concepts in a balanced manner combining theoretical foundations with practical applications. Each chapter has been crafted to encourage critical thinking, deepen analytical skills and inspire further exploration into the processes that shape genetic diversity. It is our hope that this text will serve as both a useful academic resource and a catalyst for curiosity in the field of population genetics.

We hope this book becomes a meaningful companion for academicians, researchers and students seeking clarity, depth and direction in understanding the evolutionary patterns of life.