Final answer:
The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium maintains that in the absence of evolutionary forces, allele frequencies in a population remain constant from one generation to the next, implying that evolution does not occur; thus, the correct answer is that allele frequencies remain constant and evolution does not occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is a fundamental principle in biology that describes the genetic stability within a population where evolutionary forces are absent. It posits that under certain conditions, the allele frequencies in a population remain constant from generation to generation. According to this concept, evolution does not occur if the allele frequencies do not change. In a population adhering to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the presence of the dominant or recessive allele (for example, for red hair) does not lead to changes in the population's genetic makeup over time. However, equilibrium is an ideal state; in reality, factors such as natural selection, mutation, genetic drift, and migration continuously influence the allele frequencies in natural populations, leading to evolution.
To answer the student's question directly, the correct statement related to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is: allele frequencies remain constant from one generation to the next so evolution does not occur. This aligns with the theory that without external forces acting on a population, such as natural selection or genetic mutation, the genetic structure of a population remains stable and unchanged.