Final answer:
If a population follows the Hardy-Weinberg equation, it implies no evolution is occurring as it is in genetic equilibrium. However, because the conditions for this equilibrium are rarely met in nature, evolution is typically happening, as indicated by real-world deviations from the model.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a population obeys the Hardy-Weinberg equation, it suggests that evolution is not occurring. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary pressures, which is known as genetic equilibrium.
However, in real populations, the conditions for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium—a large population size, no mutations, no migration, random mating, and no natural selection—are nearly impossible to meet, meaning that evolution is often occurring. We can use the Hardy-Weinberg equation as a comparison tool; when actual allelic frequencies differ from those predicted by the equation, we infer that evolutionary forces, such as natural selection or genetic drift, are at play, causing the population to evolve.