Which of the following is not a true for an ideal population under the...
A large population size is necessary to accommodate rare phenotypes in the population which would otherwise go amiss.
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Which of the following is not a true for an ideal population under the...
Introduction:
The Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium is a principle in population genetics that describes the genetic makeup of an ideal population. It helps in understanding the equilibrium state of gene frequencies in a population over generations. According to this principle, certain conditions need to be met for a population to be in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium.
Explanation:
Among the given options, option 'A' states that there should be few individuals in an ideal population under Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. However, this statement is not true. Let's discuss why.
1. Large Population Size:
- In an ideal population under Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, there should be a large number of individuals.
- A large population size prevents genetic drift, which is the random change in gene frequencies due to chance events.
- With a large population, the impact of random events on gene frequencies is minimized, ensuring that the population remains in equilibrium.
2. Random Mating:
- Another condition for an ideal population under Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium is random mating.
- Random mating means that individuals in the population mate without any preference or bias for specific traits.
- This helps in maintaining the balance of gene frequencies in the population.
3. No Migration:
- The population should be isolated from migration.
- Migration introduces new genes into a population, which can disrupt the equilibrium of gene frequencies.
- By being isolated from migration, the population can maintain its genetic makeup and remain in equilibrium.
4. No Selection:
- The absence of selection is also a key condition for an ideal population under Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium.
- Selection refers to the process by which certain individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
- In the absence of selection, all genotypes have an equal chance of survival and reproduction, leading to equilibrium.
Conclusion:
In summary, an ideal population under Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium should have a large population size, random mating, isolation from migration, and no selection. Among the given options, option 'A' stating that there should be few individuals is not a condition for an ideal population under Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium.