Select the factor which does not affect Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium?

Random mating

The correct answer is Option (4) - Random mating

The Hardy-Weinberg principle, also known as the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium or law, is a fundamental concept in population genetics that describes the conditions under which the frequency of alleles in a population remains constant from generation to generation. This equilibrium is maintained when certain assumptions are met, and any deviation from these assumptions suggests evolutionary forces at play.

Disturbance in genetic equilibrium, or Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium, i.e., change of frequency of alleles in a population would then be interpreted as resulting in evolution.

Five factors are known to affect Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These are gene migration or gene flow, genetic drift, mutation, genetic recombination and natural selection.

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is based on the following assumptions:

1. Large Population Size: The population is sufficiently large to minimize the effects of random genetic drift.
2. No Migration: There is no migration of individuals into or out of the population.
3. Random Mating: Individuals mate randomly with respect to their genotypes.
4. No Mutation: There is no new genetic variation introduced through mutation.
5. No Natural Selection: No selective forces are acting to favor specific genotypes over others.