Transient distribution of the number of segregating sites in a neutral infinite-sites model with no recombination

Abstract

The transient distribution of the number of segregating sites in a sample from a large population of 2N genes is found. Segregating sites are split into those in common with the sites segregating in the initial population and those segregating due to new mutations. The waiting time distribution for a population to lose all of its initial sites is also studied. A neutral infinite-sites model with no recombination is used. This paper extends the work of Watterson (1975), from the stationary case; and of Li (1977) from the transient distribution in a sample of 2.