hardy-weinberg equilibrium (def.)
a model that describes populations that are not evolving
The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is a concept in population genetics that describes the relationship between the frequency of alleles in a population and the probability of the occurrence of certain traits. According to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, for a given gene locus, the frequency of alleles will remain constant over time if certain assumptions are met. These assumptions are:
1. The population is infinitely large (i.e., there is no genetic drift)
2. There is no mutation
3. There is no migration (i.e., gene flow)
4. Random mating occurs within the population
5. Natural selection is not acting on the gene locus in question
Under these assumptions, the frequency of alleles in the population will not change from one generation to the next, and the population will remain in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This concept is fundamental to the study of population genetics, as deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can provide insight into the evolutionary forces shaping a population.
More Answers:
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