Identify one of the given factors which does not affect Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Reproduction
The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is the state in which allele frequencies stay the same from generation to generation. A change in these frequencies means evolution is taking place. The book names five factors that disturb it.
Option (1) Mutation — Affects the equilibrium. Mutations create new alleles and so change allele frequencies.
Option (2) Genetic drift — Affects the equilibrium. Drift is a change in allele frequencies by chance, strongest in small populations.
Option (3) Reproduction — Does not affect the equilibrium. Ordinary reproduction passes alleles on without changing their frequencies; that is what the equilibrium assumes. It is not among the five factors.
Option (4) Gene flow — Affects the equilibrium. Migration brings alleles in or takes them out, changing the frequencies.
NCERT Extract:
Hardy-Weinberg Principle – “… Five factors are known to affect Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These are gene migration or gene flow, genetic drift, mutation, genetic recombination and natural selection. When migration of a section of population to another place and population occurs, gene frequencies change in the original as well as in the new population.”