Which of the following factors can influence Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
A Natural selection
B. Genetic recombination
C. Gene flow
D. Mutation
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (B), (C) and (D) only
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 and stable from generation to generation. 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:
- Large Population Size: The population is sufficiently large to minimize the effects of random genetic drift.
- No Migration: There is no migration of individuals into or out of the population.
- Random Mating: Individuals mate randomly with respect to their genotypes.
- No Mutation: There is no new genetic variation introduced through mutation.
- No Natural Selection: No selective forces are acting to favor specific genotypes over others.