In this section, we analyze how microevolutionary laws operate in human populations and why this is critically important for a physician. Evolution is not only about the origin of species, but also about how the genetic load of humanity is shaped today, how hereditary pathologies spread, and how microorganisms develop resistance to antibiotics.
The section covers key evolutionary factors: mutation process, population waves, genetic drift, isolation, and natural selection. You will learn how these mechanisms alter allele frequencies in human populations and lead to the accumulation or elimination of specific diseases.
Colloquia and exams most frequently test examples of genetic drift in isolates (founder effect), the impact of population waves on the frequency of recessive mutations, and mechanisms of bacterial drug resistance. This knowledge is fundamental for understanding clinical genetics and epidemiology.