Question

Four of the five processes listed below will disrupt Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Select the exception. a. natural selection b. genetic drift c. punctuated equilibrium d. non-random mating e. migration

Answer 1

Answer:

natural selection, genetic drift, non-random mating, and migration (option A, B, D, and E)

Explanation:

In the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium principle, the frequencies of alleles and genotypes remain the same in a population, from generation to generation, with no net change in allele or genotype frequencies. This means, no evolutionary change is occurring in the population. However, for this principle to hold, the following conditions must be present, which are:  

• There must be random mating, that is every individual of the population has an equal chance of mating with any other member the population
• There must be no net mutation  
• The population size must be large enough to reduce the probability of the allele frequencies to change by genetic drift caused by random fluctuations, as common in a small population size
• Absence of migration of individuals into the population or outside the population
• Absence of natural selection which can cause some phenotypes to be selected against others

Therefore, the 4 processes, out of the 5 processes listed, that can disrupt Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in a population are natural selection, genetic drift, non-random mating, and migration (option A, B, D, and E)

A punctuated equilibrium would not, as the population is said to be stable or become stable over a long period of time with little evolutionary change in the course of life.

Answer 2

Answer:

B, C, D, and E

Explanation:

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is defined as the model that explains the relationship between phenotypic and genotypic frequencies relationship, using the five assumptions of:

1. No mutation
2. No migration
3. No selection
4. Random mating
5. Infinite population