Question

Under which of the following conditions would population gene frequencies be expected to remain the same?

A. Genetic drift
B. Mutation
C. Natural selection
D. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

Answer 1

Under the conditions of the D) Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, gene frequencies in a population would be expected to remain the same. Hence, D) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The conditions under which a population's gene frequencies would remain the same are described by the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This principle states that a population will stay at genetic equilibrium if five conditions are met: no change in the DNA sequence, no migration, a very large population size, random mating, and no natural selection.

1. No change in the DNA sequence: Mutations can introduce new alleles into a population, which can lead to changes in gene frequencies. Therefore, mutation would not result in gene frequencies remaining the same.
2. No migration: Gene flow occurs when individuals move between populations, which can introduce new alleles or change gene frequencies. Therefore, gene flow would not result in gene frequencies remaining the same.
3. A very large population size: Genetic drift occurs in small populations and can cause changes in gene frequencies. Therefore, genetic drift would not result in gene frequencies remaining the same.
4. Random mating: Non-random mating, such as assortative mating, can cause changes in gene frequencies. Therefore, non-random mating would not result in gene frequencies remaining the same.
5. No natural selection: Natural selection acts upon the phenotypes of individuals, influencing the survival and reproductive success of different alleles. Therefore, natural selection would not result in gene frequencies remaining the same.