Gamete frequencies at two sex-linked loci in random mating age-structured populations (Q1070961)

This is a study of the change of genetic structures at two sex-linked loci in an infinite random mating age-structured population. The general model of this paper is a discrete generation model for two loci that are linked and on the part of the X-chromosome that is not homologous with the Y-chromosome allowing for any number of alleles at each of both loci. Furthermore, the population is divided into a finite number of age classes, and a certain range of age groups is assumed to be reproductive. Matings occur at random and each mating is assumed to be equally fertile. Moreover, the number of matings at any time is proportional to the number of mature females at that time. Under these assumptions recurrence equations for the gametic and allelic frequencies are derived, and asymptotic properties of their solutions are obtained. It is shown that these frequencies converge to limits in the long run which occurs at geometric rates. A stable age distribution, although not originally assumed, eventually is approached. Finally, it is shown that the results are like those for discrete generations if the unit of time is replaced by a generation interval which is bounded below by, and approximately equal to the mean age of parents of newborn individuals.