Question

A rabbit population exists in two phenotypes: white and brown. Two scientists want to determine if this population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Which of the following conditions must be met for the population to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

A) The population size is small to allow for genetic drift.
B) Mating within the population is selective, with a preference for the same color phenotype.
C) There are frequent mutations affecting the color alleles.
D) There is substantial migration of rabbits in and out of the population.
E) There is differential survival and reproduction based on color phenotype.

Answer 1

In order for a population to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, several conditions must be met: no mutation, no migration, large population size, random mating, and no natural selection.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order for a population to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, several conditions must be met. These conditions include:

1. No mutation: There should be no new alleles introduced through mutations.
2. No migration: There should be no movement of individuals in or out of the population.
3. Large population size: The population should be large enough to minimize the effects of genetic drift.
4. Random mating: Mating should occur randomly with no preference for specific phenotypes.
5. No natural selection: There should be no differential survival or reproduction based on phenotype.

If any of these conditions are violated, the population is not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and evolution is occurring.