Assumptions of Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
What are the assumptions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium-
- Small population, random mating, absence of mutation, migration & selection
- Large size population, random mating, absence of mutation, migration & selection — Correct Answer
- Large size population, random mating, presence of mutation, migration & selection
- None the above
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Large size population, random mating, absence of mutation, migration & selection
Hardy-Weinberg Law: In a large, random-mating population, in the absence of mutation, migration, and selection, the gene and genotypic frequencies remain constant from generation to generation.
H-W Equilibrium Assumptions
- Large population (not small)
- Random mating (Panmixia)
- No mutation
- No migration
- No selection
H-W Equation & Frequencies
| Gene | A | a | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency | p | q | |
| Genotype | AA | Aa | aa |
| Frequency | P = p² | H = 2pq | Q = q² |
H-W Equation: p² + 2pq + q² = 1
- p + q = 1 (allele frequencies)
- Maximum frequency of heterozygotes (2pq) = 50%, when p = q = 0.5
Forces Affecting H-W Equilibrium
- Systemic forces (large + small population, predictable): Mutation, Migration, Selection
- Dispersive forces (small population only): Random genetic drift (Sewell Wright effect)
📚 About this Topic — Animal Genetics & Breeding
This multiple choice question is from Animal Genetics & Breeding, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Genetics & Breeding to strengthen your preparation.
