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Haldane's Principle

Haldane's Principle suggests that when a new trait appears in a population, it typically becomes more prevalent in larger populations than in smaller ones. This idea, proposed by the geneticist J.B.S. Haldane, highlights that larger populations have more genetic variation and can better support the spread of advantageous traits. Essentially, it implies that factors like population size and genetic diversity play crucial roles in how quickly and effectively new traits can become common within a species. The principle underscores the importance of evolutionary dynamics in different population contexts.

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    Haldane's principle, developed by geneticist J.B.S. Haldane, suggests that when a new trait arises in a population, its spread depends on the size of that population and the trait’s selective advantage. In simpler terms, if a beneficial trait occurs, it will spread more quickly in large populations compared to smaller ones. This principle helps explain how evolution and natural selection work, emphasizing that the impact of advantageous changes can vary significantly based on the size of the group involved. It highlights the role of population dynamics in evolutionary processes.