Write a short note on Population vs. Mendelian population.

Population and Mendelian population are two related concepts in genetics, each referring to different aspects of the genetic composition and dynamics of groups of organisms.

Population:
A population is a group of individuals of the same species that occupy a particular geographic area and have the potential to interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Populations can vary in size, genetic diversity, and distribution, and they play a crucial role in evolutionary processes such as natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow. The genetic composition of a population is influenced by factors such as mutation rates, migration patterns, genetic drift, and natural selection. Studying populations allows researchers to understand the genetic diversity within species, track evolutionary changes over time, and assess the impact of environmental factors on genetic variation.

Mendelian Population:
A Mendelian population, also known as an idealized or theoretical population, is a concept introduced by Gregor Mendel in his studies of inheritance patterns in pea plants. In the context of Mendelian genetics, a Mendelian population is defined as a group of individuals that mate randomly with one another and follow Mendel's laws of inheritance. In a Mendelian population, traits are controlled by discrete alleles at single gene loci, and the frequencies of these alleles remain constant over time in the absence of evolutionary forces such as mutation, migration, genetic drift, and natural selection. While real populations rarely adhere strictly to the assumptions of Mendelian populations, the concept provides a useful theoretical framework for understanding patterns of inheritance and genetic variation in populations.

Differences:
The main difference between population and Mendelian population lies in their scope and application. While a population refers to a group of interbreeding individuals of the same species in a given area, a Mendelian population is a theoretical concept used to study patterns of inheritance and genetic variation in idealized populations that follow Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment. Real populations are influenced by a variety of factors that can alter allele frequencies and genetic composition over time, whereas Mendelian populations serve as simplified models for understanding basic principles of inheritance in genetics.

In summary, populations represent real groups of individuals within species, while Mendelian populations are theoretical constructs used to study patterns of inheritance and genetic variation. Both concepts are important for understanding the genetic dynamics and evolutionary processes within and between populations of organisms.