![]() Ideally, with constant reference to these facts-the bulk of which are undoubtedly yet to be discovered-theoretical population genetics begins by distilling everything into a workable mathematical model of genetic transmission within a species. A tremendous amount is known about the workings of organisms in their environments and about interactions among species. ![]() Its main purpose is to understand the ways in which the forces of mutation, natural selection, random genetic drift, and population structure interact to produce and maintain the complex patterns of genetic variation that are readily observed among individuals within a species. Theoretical population genetics is the mathematical study of the dynamics of genetic variation within species. ![]() It is valuable to define this field narrowly. Stepping into this future, it will be important to develop new approximations that reflect new data and not to let well-accepted models diminish the possibilities. In light of its many incarnations and befitting its ties to evolutionary biology, the limits of theoretical population genetics are recognized to be changing over time, with a number of new paths to follow. Arguably of more importance, theoretical population genetics underlies our knowledge of within-species variation across the globe and for all kinds of life. 2002) and the foundation for association studies, which aim to map the genes that cause human disease ( J orde 1995). Theoretical population genetics is the framework for studies of human history ( R eich et al. This 100-year-old field now sits close to the heart of modern biology. THE purpose here is to discuss the limits of theoretical population genetics.
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