The sampling theory of selectively neutral alleles

Abstract

In this paper a beginning is made on the sampling theory of neutral alleles. That is, we consider deductive and subsequently inductive questions relating to a sample of genes from a selectively neutral locus. The inductions concern estimation, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. In particular the test of the hypothesis that the alleles being sampled are indeed selectively neutral will be considered. In view of the large amount of data currently being obtained by electrophoretic methods on allele frequencies and numbers, and the current interest in the possibility of extensive "non-Darwinian" evolution, such a sampling theory seems necessary. However, a large number of unsolved problems in this area remain, a partial listing being given towards the end of this paper. © 1972.