allele frequency

Allele frequency refers to how often a specific version of a gene, called an allele, appears in a population. Imagine a gene responsible for flower color that has two versions: one for red flowers and another for white. If there are 100 flowers and 70 have the red allele, the allele frequency for red is 70%. This measure helps scientists understand genetic variation and evolution within a population, as shifts in allele frequencies over time can indicate how traits are selected for or against in changing environments.