Question

State Hardy-Weinberg principle of genetic equilibrium. Write any four factors affecting the equilibrium.

Answer 1

The Hardy-Weinberg law or Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is the fundamental law of population genetics, which provides the basis for studying the Mendelian populations. This law was independently developed by GH Hardy, an English mathematician and G Weinberg, a German physician in 1908. The Hardy-Weinberg law states that the genes and genotypic frequencies in a Mendelian population remain constant generation after generation, if there is no selection, mutation, migration or random drift.

Thus, factors affecting genetic equilibrium are:

1. Mutations

2. Genetic drift

3. Natural selection

4. Gene flow

5. Random mating