The use of molecular methods to study genetic polymorphisms has made a familiarity with population genetics essential for any biologist whose work is at the population level. A Primer of Population Genetics, Third Edition provides a concise but comprehensive introduction to population genetics. The four chapters of the book address genetic variation, the causes of evolution, molecular population genetics, and the genetic architecture of complex traits. Chapter-end problems reinforce ideas and, while there are some equations, the emphasis is on explanation rather than derivation.
I studied population genetics as a graduate student, and decided to get this book, literally as a "primer" to the field of population genetics. I refer to it every now and then, and would recommend it for those who want to get a general and very broad overview of population genetics. As I read a lot of primary literature, I think it would have been more helpful if the book cited more references, or active research in the field. Overall, though, a very nice concise book on population genetics. It definitely serves as a primer, rather than an overall tell-all, or comprehensive tale of the field.
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