On the genealogy of large populations

1982 ◽  
Vol 19 (A) ◽  
pp. 27-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. F. C. Kingman

A new Markov chain is introduced which can be used to describe the family relationships among n individuals drawn from a particular generation of a large haploid population. The properties of this process can be studied, simultaneously for all n, by coupling techniques. Recent results in neutral mutation theory are seen as consequences of the genealogy described by the chain.

1982 ◽  
Vol 19 (A) ◽  
pp. 27-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. F. C. Kingman

A new Markov chain is introduced which can be used to describe the family relationships among n individuals drawn from a particular generation of a large haploid population. The properties of this process can be studied, simultaneously for all n, by coupling techniques. Recent results in neutral mutation theory are seen as consequences of the genealogy described by the chain.


1972 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Haigh ◽  
John Maynard Smith

SUMMARYThe ‘neutral mutation theory’ holds that most amino acid substitutions in evolution are selectively neutral. The known pattern of variation in human haemoglobins can only be made consistent with this theory if the human species has passed through a bottleneck of numbers in the recent past. If this theory is true, estimates of the necessary size and duration of this bottleneck can be made. A theory is developed which leads to an estimate of Yg, n, the number of alleles present in a population which arise between g and n generations ago, and hence to the estimatewhere u is the neutral mutation rate and Ne the effective population size, for the probability that a population contains no such alleles. Using data on haemoglobins, this gives an approximate upper limit to the time elapsed since the bottleneck in human numbers. Either such a bottleneck occurred, or the neutral mutation theory is false; data on other proteins will enable a choice between these possibilities to be made.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 91-112
Author(s):  
Sandro Secutti ◽  
Eleonora Trajano

The troglobitic (exclusively subterranean source population) catfish Ituglanis passensis (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) is endemic to the Passa Três Cave, São Domingos karst area, Rio Tocantins basin, Central Brazil. This unique population presents variably reduced eyes and melanic pigmentation. We describe reproduction and early development in this species based on a spontaneous (non-induced) reproductive-event that occurred in the laboratory in January–February, 2009, while simultaneously comparing with data from the cave-habitat and a previous reproductive event. Egg laying was parceled. Egg-size and number were within variations observed in epigean congeners. Larvae behavior and growth is described. A single surviving specimen was monitored over two years. Eye-regression started late, one year after birth, and followed a pattern of stasis phases intercalated with slow growth and fluctuating asymmetric rates. Late eye regression, associated with asymmetry in eye development and intra-population variability of troglomorphic traits, as shown by several Brazilian subterranean fishes, provide support for the Neutral Mutation Theory.


1969 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 07-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. B. Newcombe

Methods are described for deriving personal and family histories of birth, marriage, procreation, ill health and death, for large populations, from existing civil registrations of vital events and the routine records of ill health. Computers have been used to group together and »link« the separately derived records pertaining to successive events in the lives of the same individuals and families, rapidly and on a large scale. Most of the records employed are already available as machine readable punchcards and magnetic tapes, for statistical and administrative purposes, and only minor modifications have been made to the manner in which these are produced.As applied to the population of the Canadian province of British Columbia (currently about 2 million people) these methods have already yielded substantial information on the risks of disease: a) in the population, b) in relation to various parental characteristics, and c) as correlated with previous occurrences in the family histories.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabor Csikos ◽  
Krisztina Dr Törő ◽  
Judit Mokos ◽  
Sandor Rozsa ◽  
Hadházi Éva ◽  
...  

Intensified anxiety responses and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress are commonly observed under quarantine conditions. In this study, the effects on fear, anxiety and wellbeing of the recent pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 were investigated in a sample of otherwise healthy Hungarians. Taking the family as a microsystem, differences in gender, age, family relationships and time spent in isolation were the main focus of this investigation. 346 parent-child dyads were examined; the children were 11-17 years of age. Standard psychological questionnaires (Perceived Stress Scale, WHO Wellbeing Index), and an open question test (the Metamorphosis test) were used, and the results analysed with the aid of basic statistical methods. Stress levels and wellbeing displayed a significant negative correlation with each other in both parents and children. Parental stress and levels of wellbeing had a weak but significant impact on the wellbeing of their children. Among the demographic variables examined, none of them was found to explain the wellbeing or stress level of parents. Natural catastrophes, such as pandemics, create a stressful social environment for parents, and therefore directly impact the psychological wellbeing of all family members.


Law and World ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-177

The research shows that one of the legal relations in civil matters is the family relationship, having an extensive content. It includes Family Law and the actual family relationships. While there are factual elements in the family relationships, only marriage registration gives rise to the property and personal rights between spouses since marriage is a legal fact of law. However, it has been stated correctly in the legal literature that the actual co-existence of partners is such a family relationship, in which couples enter into marriage without registration. The inner world of unmarried couples is significantly free from legal regulation. Family relationships, by their characteristics, are inconceivable without the personal and intimate aspects contained in certain factual foundations and found in family relationships.


Author(s):  
Nicola Clark

Family relationships were the cornerstone of society, especially for women, whose time was often spent advancing their kin. But not every relationship between kin could be positive all of the time, and this is as true for women as for men. Noble dynasties are often presented either as a series of coherent family groups united in pursuit of shared goals, or, conversely, as disparate individuals as likely to fight as unite, and women are not always given space in these interpretations. Yet this need not be an either/or choice. While both these interpretations might be true under extraordinary circumstances, even the Howards did not live every moment under such intense pressures. This chapter examines the everyday relationships between the Howard women and their kin, arguing that the family were neither automatically united nor wholly disunited.


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