We determined that the data the 2011/2012 genetic students collected on the Lincoln NE fox squirrel population was consistent the hypothesis that the black coat color variant is controlled by a dominant allele (black is BB or Bb, red is bb) and that this allele was rare in the gene pool. Using the hypothesis of random mating, we estimated the Black allele to be 2% of the gene pool and the red allele to be 98%.

Use the data we collected this spring on our squirrel population, test the hypothesis that the fox squirrel population has been in equilibrium with respect to these coat color traits.

Hypothesis (ratio or allele frequencies):

X2 value:

P value:

Conclusion:

Populations in equilibrium have no change in their gene pool (allele frequencies). What genetic force is the most likely to have contributed to changes in the squirrel population gene pool?

Black squirrels are especially dense by Hazel Abel park. This year all the parents were black. Some families had all black babies, but there were also some families with a few red baby squirrels. Why does this make sense based on the genetics of the trait? Draw Punnett squares as part of your answer and explain how they fit with two kinds of Hazel Abel squirrel families.

black black