In a diploid population of 200 individuals, the initial heterozygosity H₀ is 0.75. Assuming an effective population size Nₑ of 45 and random genetic drift, calculate the expected heterozygosity after 10 generations using the formula H_t = H₀(1 - 1/(2Nₑ))^t.

Step-by-step solution

1. 1. Write down the formula: $H_t=H_0{\left(1-\frac{1}{2N_e}\right)}^t$.
2. 2. Compute the drift factor: $1-\frac{1}{2N_e}=1-\frac{1}{2\times 45}=1-\frac{1}{90}=0.9888888$.
3. 3. Raise this factor to the power of t=10: $(0.9888888{)}^{10}approx0.887$.
4. 4. Multiply by the initial heterozygosity: $0.75\times 0.887\approx 0.665$.
5. 5. Round to two decimal places: $H_{10}approx0.65$.

Concept tested: heterozygosity loss due to drift

Published 25 September 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked