population genetics

American  

noun

1. the branch of genetics concerned with the hereditary makeup of populations.

2. the study of changes in gene frequencies in population of organisms and the effects of such changes on evolution and adaptation.

---

population genetics Scientific  

1. The scientific study of the inheritance and prevalence of genes in populations, usually using statistical analysis.

---

population genetics Cultural  

1. The study of the genetic composition of populations in order to understand the evolutionary forces that select for a particular gene.

---

Etymology

Origin of population genetics

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

"There are a variety of factors – the ageing population, genetics and cancer recurring, but the way we live is definitely a factor."

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2025

"This really highlights the need for continued investment in understanding African population genetics," added Raju.

From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2024

In population genetics, the term evolution is defined as a change in the frequency of an allele in a population.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Alex Mas Sandoval, a Spanish researcher in population genetics at the University of Bologna, said he was “appalled” when he heard that the Buffalo gunman had tried to use science to justify his actions.

From New York Times • Jun. 9, 2022

Their rationale: They say their population genetics study was cultural, not health-related, and therefore did not fall under the jurisdiction of the NEC or the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2022