Question

means that gametes mix randomly, keeping genotype frequencies in a population the same from one generation to the next.

Answer 1

The subject described by the student is the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, which maintains genetic variation in a population constant across generations, provided certain conditions like the absence of mutations, no migration, large population size, random mating, and no natural selection are met.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept described by the student is known as Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, a principle that explains how the genetic variation in a population will remain constant from one generation to the next in the absence of disturbing factors. The model assumes five conditions for a population to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium:

1. No new mutations are occurring, maintaining the existing alleles.
2. There is no migration, so the gene pool is not altered by individuals entering or leaving the population.
3. The population must be very large to prevent random changes in allele frequencies.
4. Mating is random, meaning individuals pair without preference for certain genotypes.
5. No natural selection is occurring, allowing all individuals an equal opportunity to reproduce.

If any of these conditions are not met, factors like genetic drift and random fertilization can alter allele frequencies in a population. Genetic drift can cause certain alleles to become more common by chance, while random fertilization contributes to genetic variation in offspring.