In a diploid population, the initial heterozygosity is $H_0=0.48$. The effective population size is $N_e=200$. Using the genetic drift formula $H_t=H_0{\left(1-\frac{1}{2N_e}\right)}^t$, calculate the expected heterozygosity after $t=5$ generations.

Step-by-step solution

1. Write the reduction factor per generation: $1-\frac{1}{2N_e}=1-\frac{1}{2\times 200}=1-\frac{1}{400}=0.9975$.
2. Raise this factor to the power of the number of generations: $(0.9975{)}^5$.
3. Calculate $(0.9975{)}^5\approx 0.9875$ (using a calculator or logarithms).
4. Multiply by the initial heterozygosity: $H_5=0.48\times 0.9875\approx 0.4748$.
5. Round to three decimal places: $H_5\approx 0.475$.

Concept tested: Genetic drift – change in heterozygosity

Published 26 September 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked