Question

Which of the following best characterizes Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

A. Consanguinity has no effect on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
B. Genotype frequencies can be estimated from allele frequencies, but the reverse is not true.
C. Natural selection has no effect on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
D. Once a population deviates from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, it takes many generations to return to equilibrium.
E. The frequency of heterozygous carriers of an autosomal recessive mutation can be estimated if one knows the incidence of affected homozygotes in the population.

Answer 1

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is characterized by the constancy of allele frequencies in the absence of evolutionary forces such as natural selection, and the correct answer is C. Natural selection has no effect on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium indicates that in the absence of factors such as natural selection, mutation, genetic drift, migration, and non-random mating, the allele frequencies in a population will remain constant from generation to generation. The best characterization of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium among the options provided is C. Natural selection has no effect on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This is because the Hardy-Weinberg principle assumes a population in equilibrium without any evolutionary forces acting upon it, implying that when these forces, such as natural selection, are absent, the allele frequencies do not change. The other options provided either do not accurately describe the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (A, B, D) or relate to specific applications of the principle (E), but do not characterize the state of equilibrium itself.