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How to Calculate Selection Coefficient

What is Selection Coefficient?

The selection coefficient (s) quantifies the fitness disadvantage of a genotype. If the fittest genotype has relative fitness 1, a genotype with fitness (1−s) has selection coefficient s.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1s = 1 − w_aa/w_AA
  2. 2Allele frequency change: Δq ≈ −sq²p/(1−sq²)

Worked Examples

Input
w_AA=1.0 · w_aa=0.7
Result
s = 0.3 (30% fitness reduction)
Moderate selection against recessive

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