Which of the following factors affect Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
A. Gene migration
B. Genetic drift
C. Artificial hybridisation
D. Genetic recombination
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → A, B and D only
The Hardy-Weinberg principle says that allele frequencies in a population stay constant from one generation to the next. Five factors disturb this equilibrium: gene migration (gene flow), genetic drift, mutation, genetic recombination and natural selection.
(A) Gene migration — Correct. When a group moves to another place, gene frequencies change in both the old and the new population.
(B) Genetic drift — Correct. This is a chance change in allele frequency, most strongly seen in small populations.
(C) Artificial hybridisation — Incorrect. This is a breeding method used by humans. It is not one of the five factors.
(D) Genetic recombination — Correct. It shuffles alleles during meiosis and changes the allele combinations.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 22-05-2025 (Slot 2).
NCERT Extract:
Hardy-Weinberg Principle – …
