According to the Hardy-Weinberg principle, what condition indicates th...
The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that allele frequencies remain stable (genetic equilibrium) unless disturbed by factors like genetic drift, mutation, or natural selection. A change in allele frequencies, as in Option C, indicates evolution, disrupting the equilibrium.
According to the Hardy-Weinberg principle, what condition indicates th...
Understanding the Hardy-Weinberg Principle
According to the Hardy-Weinberg principle, a population is in genetic equilibrium when specific conditions are met, resulting in constant allele frequencies across generations. However, if these conditions are violated, evolution is indicated.
Key Indicators of Evolution
- Allele Frequencies Change: The correct answer is option 'C', which states that allele frequencies change due to factors like genetic drift or natural selection. This change signifies that evolutionary processes are at work.
- Genetic Drift: Random fluctuations in allele frequencies can lead to significant changes in small populations, potentially resulting in evolution.
- Natural Selection: Differential survival and reproduction of individuals based on their phenotypic traits can alter allele frequencies over time, driving evolutionary change.
Other Options Explained
- Option A: This suggests that allele frequencies remain constant, which indicates that evolution is not occurring. This aligns with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
- Option B: The frequency of homozygous dominant individuals being equal to p² is a specific outcome of the Hardy-Weinberg equation but does not indicate evolution.
- Option D: The sum of p² + 2pq + q² equals 1 under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This condition being satisfied does not imply evolution is occurring.
Conclusion
In summary, option 'C' accurately reflects that changes in allele frequencies due to mechanisms such as natural selection or genetic drift signify that evolution is occurring in a population. Understanding these concepts is crucial for interpreting population genetics and evolutionary biology.