Answer:
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, also referred to as the Hardy-Weinberg principle, is used to compare
allele frequencies in a given population over a period of time. A population of alleles must meet five
rules in order to be considered “in equilibrium”:
1) No gene mutations may occur and therefore allele changes do not occur.
2) There must be no migration of individuals either into or out of the population.
3) Random mating must occur, meaning individuals mate by chance.
4) No genetic drift, a chance change in allele frequency, may occur.
5) No natural selection, a change in allele frequency due to environment, may occur.
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium never occurs in nature because there is always at least one rule being
violated. Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium is an ideal state that provides a baseline against which
scientists measure gene evolution in a given population. The Hardy-Weinberg equations can be used
for any population; the population does not need to be in equilibrium.
There are two equations necessary to solve a Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium question:
Explanation:
