Decoding Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium And Its Impact On Allele Frequencies

The Hardy-Weinberg principle explains that allele frequencies in a population remain constant over generations, indicating genetic equilibrium. This stability is mathematically represented by the equation p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1. Deviations from expected frequencies suggest evolutionary changes. Five factors affect this equilibrium: gene migration, genetic drift, mutation, recombination, and natural selection. Gene flow and genetic drift can alter allele frequencies, potentially leading to new species. Mutations introduce new phenotypes, and natural selection favors traits that enhance survival, driving evolutionary change.

What does the Hardy-Weinberg principle suggest about allele frequencies in a population?

• They remain stable and constant.

• They change randomly over time.

• They increase with each generation.

• They decrease with each generation.

In a diploid organism, what do the symbols p and q represent?

• The total number of alleles.

• The frequency of alleles A and a.

• The number of chromosomes.

• The genetic drift rate.

How is the frequency of AA individuals in a population calculated?

• q^2

• 2pq

• p^2

• p + q

What does a deviation from expected allele frequencies indicate?

• A decrease in population size.

• A stable population.

• No evolutionary change.

• A disturbance in genetic equilibrium.

Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

• Gene migration

• Genetic drift

• Natural selection

• Photosynthesis

What happens to gene frequencies when a section of a population migrates?

• They remain unchanged.

• They only change in the original population.

• They change in both the original and new populations.

• They only change in the new population.

What is genetic drift?

• A change in allele frequency due to mutation.

• A change in allele frequency due to chance.

• A change in allele frequency due to recombination.

• A change in allele frequency due to natural selection.

What is the founder effect?

• A small group starting a new population with different allele frequencies.

• A natural disaster reducing population size.

• A large population migrating to a new area.

• A mutation causing a new species to form.

How can natural selection affect a population?

• By preventing gene flow.

• By stabilizing, directing, or disrupting allele frequencies.

• By increasing genetic drift.

• By causing random mutations.

What is the result of variation due to mutation or recombination?

• Immediate speciation.

• No change in allele frequencies.

• A decrease in genetic diversity.

• Changed frequency of genes and alleles in future generations.