Question

If the selection coefficient is 0.7, fitness will be

• A. 0.3
• B. 0.4
• C. 0.7
• D. 0.6

Hint:

Fitness Formula: $\text{Fitness } (W) = 1 - s$. If $s = 0.7 \implies W = 1 - 0.7 = 0.3$. If $s = 1.0 \implies W = 0$ (Lethal gene).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Population genetics: Darwinian relative fitness ($W$) and selection coefficient ($s$) are complementary probabilities summing to unity ($W + s = 1$).
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Darwinian Fitness } (W) = 1 - s \quad \text{where } s = \text{Selection Coefficient} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Calculating relative Darwinian reproductive fitness:
1. Given selection coefficient against a genotype: \( s = 0.7 \).
2. By fundamental population genetics definition:
\[ \text{Fitness } (W) = 1 - s \]
\[ W = 1.0 - 0.7 = 0.30 \]
Thus, the relative fitness of the genotype is $0.3$ (representing $30\%$ reproductive survival relative to the optimal genotype).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the fitness will be 0.3, matching option (A).