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A population at equilibrium according to the Hardy-Weinberg law:

A. Is rapidly evolving with respect to a given gene.
B. Is not evolving with respect to a given gene.
C. Is experiencing random change in gene frequency.
D. Must be either a small or a migrating population.

User GhostCKY
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

A population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is not evolving regarding a particular gene. This concept provides a baseline to detect evolution in populations by comparing actual allele frequencies to expected values under equilibrium conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

A population at equilibrium according to the Hardy-Weinberg law is not evolving concerning a given gene. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium symbolizes a state where allele frequencies in a population's gene pool remain constant from generation to generation, suggesting no evolution. This is described by the mathematical equation p² + 2pq + q² = 1, which holds under certain conditions: no mutations, no gene flow, random mating, no genetic drift, and no selection. However, because these conditions are rarely fully met in nature, the principle serves more as a baseline for scientists to compare real population changes and detect evolutionary forces should allele frequencies deviate from the expected values.

User Csfb
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