Question

In northern Canada, a population of rabbits was predominantly white in color. The allele for white color is recessive (g), while the allele for gray color is dominant (G). Over the last several decades, the average annual temperature of this area has increased, and the long-term deposits of ice and snow have become scarce. We see the result of this change in the graph above. How would Hardy-Weinberg explain this change in terms of allelic frequency? A) No population can maintain equilibrium indefinitely. B) Random mating occurred among the rabbits and the allelic frequency was altered. C) Genetic variation existed. Natural selection occurred. Allelic frequencies changed. D) In a large population, mating is random, without mutations and the allelic frequency changes over time.

Answer 1

Its C: Genetic variation existed. Natural selection occurred. Allelic frequencies changed.

Answer 2

The correct answer would be C) Genetic variation existed. Natural selection occurred. Allelic frequencies changed.

Hardy-Weinberg law states that the allelic frequency of a population remains constant generations over generations in absence of evolutionary factors such as selective breeding, natural selection, genetic drift et cetera.

In the given scenario, natural selection has taken place due to the which the allelic frequency of a population changes over time.

In the original population, the allele frequency of g would be higher as it would have given the survival advantage when long-term ice deposits were used to present.

However, in absence of ice, the white fur would not be beneficial as it would be easily detected by predators.

Thus, the allele frequency of g would decrease in a population and with the help of natural selection the allele frequency of G would increase in the population.

Thus, the allele frequency of a population changes as a result of natural selection.