Question 1:

What is the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Explanation: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium refers to the state of genetic equilibrium in a population. It describes the conditions under which the allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary forces.

Question 2:

Which of the following is NOT an assumption of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Explanation: The assumption of a small population size is not required for the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The equilibrium can still be achieved in large populations as long as other assumptions, such as random mating, no selection, no mutation, and no migration, hold true.

Question 3:

What is the equation used to calculate the genotype frequencies in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Explanation: The equation used to calculate the genotype frequencies in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1. Here, p represents the frequency of one allele, q represents the frequency of the other allele, p^2 represents the frequency of homozygous dominant individuals, 2pq represents the frequency of heterozygous individuals, and q^2 represents the frequency of homozygous recessive individuals.

Question 4:

If the observed genotype frequencies in a population deviate from the expected frequencies in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what does this suggest?

Explanation: If the observed genotype frequencies in a population deviate from the expected frequencies in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, this suggests that some evolutionary forces are acting on the population. This can include genetic drift, natural selection, migration, or mutation, which can cause changes in allele and genotype frequencies over time.

Question 5:

Can a population be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium if the allele frequencies are changing?

Explanation: No, a population cannot be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium if the allele frequencies are changing. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes that both allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from generation to generation. Any changes in allele frequencies indicate the presence of evolutionary forces, such as genetic drift, natural selection, migration, or mutation.