Abstract
An exact description of the complete process of pure random drift at a multiallelic locus is extremely difficult. However, if we are concerned only with the number of alleles remaining rather than their frequencies, the problem can be reduced to the level of two alleles. General formulas for the mean, variance, and probability distribution of n, the number of alleles remaining after a given number of generations, are obtained and applied to various models of reproduction. For the Wright model of random sampling, n takes on a nearly symmetrical distribution during the early generations, with its first two moments easily approximated for moderately large (> 10 haploids) populations. Diploid systems of random mating, double first-cousin mating, and circular mating are also analyzed. Circular mating loses fewer alleles than the other two systems even though double first-cousin mating preserves more heterozygosity during the early generations. Maintenance of heterozygosity and maintenance of alleles might be considered alternative approaches to the analysis of mating systems.
Published Version
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