Hardy-Weinberg Principle Quiz

What does the Hardy-Weinberg principle state about allele frequencies in a population?

• They remain constant from generation to generation.

• They are always increasing.

• They fluctuate wildly.

• They are only relevant in diploid organisms.

Answer explanation

The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that allele frequencies in a population remain constant from generation to generation, provided that certain conditions are met, such as no mutation, migration, or selection.

What is the sum total of all allelic frequencies in a population according to the Hardy-Weinberg principle?

• 1

• 0

• 0.5

• 2

Answer explanation

According to the Hardy-Weinberg principle, the sum of all allelic frequencies in a population must equal 1. This reflects the total proportion of all alleles present, confirming that the correct answer is 1.

In a diploid organism, if p represents the frequency of allele A, what does p² represent?

• Frequency of all alleles

• Frequency of allele a

• Frequency of AA individuals

• Frequency of Aa individuals

Answer explanation

In a diploid organism, p² represents the frequency of homozygous dominant individuals (AA) in the population, according to the Hardy-Weinberg principle. Thus, the correct answer is the frequency of AA individuals.

Which of the following factors does NOT affect Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

• Gene migration

• Environmental changes

• Genetic drift

• Natural selection

Answer explanation

Environmental changes do not directly affect the genetic makeup of a population, while gene migration, genetic drift, and natural selection do influence allele frequencies, thus impacting Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

What is the effect called when a small population becomes isolated and evolves into a different species?

• Genetic drift

• Founder effect

• Gene flow

• Natural selection

Answer explanation

The effect when a small population becomes isolated and evolves into a different species is called the Founder effect. This occurs when a few individuals establish a new population, leading to genetic divergence.

What does the equation p² + 2pq + q² = 1 represent?

• The total number of individuals in a population

• The frequencies of different genotypes in a population

• The rate of natural selection

• The mutation rate in a population

Answer explanation

The equation p² + 2pq + q² = 1 represents the frequencies of different genotypes in a population, as it describes the distribution of alleles according to the Hardy-Weinberg principle.

Which process enables heritable variations that improve survival to reproduce more successfully?

• Mutation

• Gene migration

• Natural selection

• Genetic drift

Answer explanation

Natural selection is the process that allows heritable variations to enhance survival and reproduction. It favors traits that improve fitness, leading to more successful reproduction over generations.

What is genetic equilibrium?

• A state where natural selection is absent

• A state where mutations are frequent

• A state where allele frequencies remain constant

• A state where allele frequencies change rapidly

Answer explanation

Genetic equilibrium refers to a state where allele frequencies remain constant over time, indicating no evolution is occurring. This is the correct choice, as it contrasts with states of change or selection.

What happens when allele frequencies differ from expected values?

• It indicates evolutionary change.

• It indicates a stable population.

• It indicates a decrease in population size.

• It indicates a lack of genetic variation.

Answer explanation

When allele frequencies differ from expected values, it suggests that evolutionary processes, such as natural selection or genetic drift, are at work, indicating evolutionary change in the population.

Which of the following is a result of natural selection?

• Stabilization of mean character value

• Random changes in allele frequency

• Immediate speciation

• Increased mutation rates

Answer explanation

Natural selection often leads to the stabilization of mean character values in a population, as advantageous traits become more common, while random changes in allele frequency and increased mutation rates are not direct results of natural selection.