Question

The tendency of population to remain in genetic equilibrium may be disturbed by

• A. lack of mutations
• B. lack of migration
• C. lack of random mating
• D. random mating

Answer 1

The correct option is C

lack of random mating

The correct option is C.

Explanation of correct option:

1. Random mating means totally haphazard mating in a population that occur in proportion to their genotypic frequencies.
2. So, there is no regard to the genetic makeup (genotype) of the mate.
3. Here, any sperm has an equal chance of fertilising any egg.
4. Allele frequencies in a population will remain constant if there is absence of mutation, gene flow, and all mating is random.
5. So, lack of random mating will disturb the genetic equilibrium.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Mutation refers to the change in gene structures or DNA sequences.
2. Allele frequencies in a population will remain constant if there is absence of mutation.
3. So, lack of mutation will help to maintain genetic equilibrium.

Option B:

1. Migration refers to the seasonal movements of animals from one area to another.
2. Due to migration, there will be change in population size.
3. So, lack of migration will rather help to maintain genetic equilibrium.

Option D:

1. Allele frequencies in a population will remain constant if there is random mating.
2. So, lack of random mating will disturb the genetic equilibrium.

Final answer: The tendency of population to remain in genetic equilibrium may be disturbed by lack of random mating.