Define the Hardy-Weinberg principle and discuss its importance

Question 1

What is the Hardy-Weinberg principle?

Answer 1

The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences.

Question 2

True or False: The Hardy-Weinberg principle assumes that evolution is occurring.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

List the five conditions required for a population to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Answer 3

1. No mutations 2. No gene flow 3. Random mating 4. Large population size 5. No natural selection

Question 4

Fill in the blank: The Hardy-Weinberg equation is represented as _____ = p² + 2pq + q².

Answer 4

p + q

Question 5

What do the symbols ‘p’ and ‘q’ represent in the Hardy-Weinberg equation?

Answer 5

‘p’ represents the frequency of the dominant allele, and ‘q’ represents the frequency of the recessive allele.

Question 6

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a condition of the Hardy-Weinberg principle? A) Small population size B) No mutations C) Random mating D) No natural selection

Answer 6

A) Small population size

Question 7

Short Answer: Why is the Hardy-Weinberg principle important in population genetics?

Answer 7

It provides a baseline to compare real populations against, helping to identify evolutionary changes.

Question 8

True or False: The Hardy-Weinberg principle can be used to predict the genetic variation in a population over time.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What happens to allele frequencies in a population that is not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Answer 9

Allele frequencies will change over time due to factors like selection, mutation, migration, or genetic drift.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The Hardy-Weinberg principle is a fundamental concept in _____ genetics.

Answer 10

population