Final answer:
The frequency of heterozygotes can be calculated using the Hardy-Weinberg equation: p² + 2pq + q² = 1. The frequency of organisms possessing the recessive trait is given, and by finding q, we can calculate the frequency of heterozygotes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a population under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of heterozygotes can be calculated using the Hardy-Weinberg equation: p² + 2pq + q² = 1. The frequency of organisms possessing the recessive trait (q²) is given as 0.36, so q can be determined by taking the square root of 0.36. Once q is known, the frequency of heterozygotes (2pq) can be calculated by substituting the values of p and q into the equation.
Let's assume that q = 0.6 (since 0.6² = 0.36). Since p + q = 1, p = 1 - 0.6 = 0.4. Now we can calculate the frequency of heterozygotes: 2 * 0.4 * 0.6 = 0.48.