Question

If a large, randomly mating, isolated (no migration in or out) population of toads lives in a pond polluted with high concentrations of a mutagen (a chemical that mutates DNA), and a particular trait is not undergoing natural selection, is it likely that this trait is in a state of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

a)No
b)Yes
c)Not enough information

Answer 1

The Hardy-Weinberg principle can be used to determine if a population is in a state of equilibrium. If the frequencies of alleles or genotypes deviate from the values predicted by the Hardy-Weinberg equation, then the population is evolving. In the given scenario, if a trait is not undergoing natural selection, it is possible that it is in a state of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Hardy-Weinberg principle provides a mathematical baseline for a non-evolving population to which scientists can compare evolving populations to infer evolutionary forces at play. If the frequencies of alleles or genotypes deviate from the values predicted by the Hardy-Weinberg equation, then the population is evolving. In the given scenario, if a particular trait is not undergoing natural selection, it is possible that it is in a state of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, as long as the other conditions of the principle are met.