🧬 Topic Summary
The Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium describes the conditions under which allele and genotype frequencies in a population remain constant from generation to generation. These conditions are: no mutation, random mating, no gene flow, large population size, and no selection. When these conditions are met, the population is said to be in equilibrium. The two primary equations are $p + q = 1$ (allele frequency) and $p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$ (genotype frequency), where $p$ is the frequency of the dominant allele, $q$ is the frequency of the recessive allele, $p^2$ is the frequency of homozygous dominant individuals, $2pq$ is the frequency of heterozygous individuals, and $q^2$ is the frequency of homozygous recessive individuals.
Let's test your knowledge with a quick worksheet!
🧮 Part A: Vocabulary
Match each term with its definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Allele Frequency |
A. The movement of genes from one population to another. |
| 2. Genetic Drift |
B. A change in the allele frequency of a population due to chance events. |
| 3. Gene Flow |
C. The measure of how common an allele is in a population. |
| 4. Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium |
D. Describes the conditions under which allele and genotype frequencies in a population remain constant. |
| 5. Mutation |
E. A change in the DNA sequence. |
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided: population, equilibrium, alleles, frequency, evolution.
The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that in a large, randomly mating __________, the __________ of __________ will remain constant from one generation to the next if other evolutionary influences are not working. This __________ serves as a null hypothesis for testing whether __________ is occurring in a __________.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium is a null hypothesis. What does it allow scientists to test for in real populations?