Whenever diploid populations are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at a particular locus, ________.
A) the allele's frequency should not change from one generation to the next
B) natural selection, gene flow, and genetic drift are acting equally to change an allele's frequency
C) two alleles are present in equal proportions
D) individuals within the population are evolving

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium occurs when the frequencies of alleles and genotypes in a population remain constant over generations. This means that there should be no change in the frequency of the allele from one generation to the next, as stated in option A. Option B is incorrect because if the population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, there should be no external factors influencing the allele frequency, such as natural selection, gene flow, or genetic drift. Option C is incorrect because although the frequency of the two alleles may be equal, it is possible that they may not be present in equal proportions in individuals. Option D is incorrect because if the population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, individuals are not evolving.

Whenever Diploid Populations Are in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium at a Particular