Question

Given below is the diagrammatic representation of natural selection of different traits.
a) Identify the type of natural selection A, B and C with an explanation of each.
b) Define Hardy-Weinberg principle

Answer 1

a) A. Stabilization selection - It is seen when extreme phenotypes on both ends of the spectrum are unfavourable resulting in the reproductive success of those near the mean.

B. Directional selection- It is the condition in which organisms at one extreme corner in the range of phenotypes are favoured over the other organisms in the range.

C. Disruptive selection- It is the condition in which organisms at both extremes in a range of phenotypes are favored over the ones present in the middle of the range.

b) Hardy–Weinberg principle states that allele and gene frequencies in a population will remain constant from one generation to the next if certain conditions are kept constant. These conditions are-

1) Population is large

2) Random mating

3) Absence of mutation