Question

How does the process of Natural Selection affect Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium? Explain with the help of graphs.

Hint:

Natural selection causes changes in allele frequencies over time by favoring individuals with advantageous traits. This disrupts Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and leads to evolution in a population.

Answer 1

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is a theoretical population genetics model representing genetic stability in a population, absent evolutionary pressures. Equilibrium is achieved when allele frequencies are consistent across generations. The five conditions necessary for this equilibrium are: 1. Absence of mutation. 2. Absence of natural selection. 3. Random mating. 4. Large population size. 5. Absence of gene flow (migration).

Impact of Natural Selection on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium: Natural selection, a primary evolutionary driver, disrupts Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. By favoring individuals with beneficial traits, it alters allele frequencies over time, contradicting the model's assumption of no natural selection. In a population subject to natural selection: - Alleles conferring survival advantages increase in frequency. - Alleles reducing fitness decline in frequency. - These shifts in genotype and allele frequencies lead to population evolution, thus deviating from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.