Question

The Hardy-Weinberg principle cannot operate if

• A. A population does not migrate for a longtime to a new habitat
• B. Frequent mutations occur in the population
• C. The population has no chance of interaction with other populations
• D. Free interbreeding occurs among all members of the population

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Frequent mutations occur in the population

Hardy-Weinberg principle or Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium states that allele frequencies in a population are stable and constant from generation to generation. It describes a theoretical situation in which a population is undergoing no evolutionary change. There are five factors that affect the Hardy-Weinberg Principle. These are the mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, genetic recombination and natural selection pressure. If frequent mutations occur in the population it leads to evolution that is so Hardy-Weinberg principle cannot operate if the frequent mutation occurs in the population.

So, the correct answer is 'Frequent mutations occur in the population'.